EPEM vs SCHD
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $8M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +23.46% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.94% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EPEM vs SCHD Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EPEM returned +42.94% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, EPEM is up 23.46% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPEM charges 0.84% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $6 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPEM currently yields 2.94% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EPEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 142 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 SCHD?
EPEM has an expense ratio of 0.84% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPEM or SCHD?
Over the past year EPEM returned +42.94% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so EPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPEM annualized +43.28% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPEM or SCHD?
EPEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EPEM -13.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EPEM and SCHD?
EPEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPEM and SCHD?
EPEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPEM or SCHD?
EPEM yields 2.94% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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