EPEM vs VTI
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +25.83% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.60% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
EPEM vs VTI Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPEM returned +43.60% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, EPEM is up 25.83% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -13.3% for EPEM 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPEM charges 0.84% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EPEM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2825 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 VTI?
EPEM has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPEM or VTI?
Over the past year EPEM returned +43.60% vs +22.39% for VTI, so EPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPEM annualized +45.23% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPEM or VTI?
EPEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EPEM -13.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EPEM and VTI?
EPEM and VTI 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 VTI?
EPEM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPEM or VTI?
EPEM yields 2.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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