EPEM vs IVV
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. EPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPEM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +25.73% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.47% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
EPEM vs IVV Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EPEM returned +44.47% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, EPEM is up 25.73% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -13.3% for EPEM and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPEM charges 0.84% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $3 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPEM currently yields 2.94% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EPEM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 547 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, EPEM or IVV?
EPEM has an expense ratio of 0.84% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPEM or IVV?
Over the past year EPEM returned +44.47% vs +21.64% for IVV, so EPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPEM annualized +45.26% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPEM or IVV?
EPEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EPEM -13.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPEM and IVV?
EPEM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPEM and IVV?
EPEM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPEM or IVV?
EPEM yields 2.94% while IVV yields 1.09%, so EPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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