EMES vs VTI
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EMES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMES | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +22.30% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.27% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
EMES vs VTI Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMES) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMES returned +37.27% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EMES is up 22.30% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMES charges 0.65% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMES and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2832 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMES | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSMT | 0.88% | 0.00% | 0.88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMES or VTI?
EMES has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMES or VTI?
Over the past year EMES returned +37.27% vs +22.39% for VTI, so EMES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMES annualized +31.95% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMES or VTI?
EMES has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EMES -13.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMES and VTI?
EMES and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMES and VTI?
EMES and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2832 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMES or VTI?
EMES yields 0.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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