EMES vs VOO
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMES | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.42% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.41% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMES vs VOO Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMES) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMES returned +38.41% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, EMES is up 22.42% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -13.0% for EMES and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMES charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMES currently yields 0.42% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMES and VOO share 0 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMES or VOO?
EMES has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMES or VOO?
Over the past year EMES returned +38.41% vs +21.63% for VOO, so EMES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMES annualized +32.13% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMES or VOO?
EMES has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMES -13.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMES and VOO?
EMES and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMES and VOO?
EMES and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMES or VOO?
EMES yields 0.42% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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