EPEM vs VXUS
EPEM vs VXUS
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.70% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.49% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EPEM vs VXUS Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPEM returned +42.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EPEM is up 23.70% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPEM charges 0.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $5 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPEM currently yields 2.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EPEM and VXUS share 30 holdings out of 7873 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPEM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2454:TW | 3.83% | 0.20% | 3.63% |
| 2317:TW | 3.65% | 0.21% | 3.44% |
| 2377:TW | 3.44% | 0.00% | 3.44% |
| 600362:SH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HDB:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1211:SA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0IKH:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 192820:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| YUMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FSR:ZA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EPEM shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPEM or VXUS?
EPEM has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPEM or VXUS?
Over the past year EPEM returned +42.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPEM annualized +43.88% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPEM or VXUS?
EPEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EPEM -13.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EPEM and VXUS?
EPEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EPEM and VXUS?
EPEM and VXUS share 30 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPEM or VXUS?
EPEM yields 2.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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