EPEM vs VOO
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +23.72% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.24% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EPEM vs VOO Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPEM returned +43.24% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EPEM is up 23.72% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -13.3% for EPEM 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPEM charges 0.84% per year while VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EPEM and VOO 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 VOO?
EPEM has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPEM or VOO?
Over the past year EPEM returned +43.24% vs +22.62% for VOO, so EPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPEM annualized +43.42% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPEM or VOO?
EPEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EPEM -13.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EPEM and VOO?
EPEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPEM and VOO?
EPEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPEM or VOO?
EPEM yields 2.94% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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