EPIN vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. EPIN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: EPINMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEPINSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.09%
AUM$8M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.64%1.01%
Holdings74505
YTD Return+25.87%+14.47%
1Y Return+38.72%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)15.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-11.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyHarbor FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 4, 2025Jan 22, 1993

EPIN vs SPY Performance

Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EPIN returned +38.72% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, EPIN is up 25.87% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EPIN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -11.6% for EPIN and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EPIN charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPIN currently yields 0.64% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

EPIN and SPY share 2 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EPINWeight in SPYDifference
CCL1.22%0.05%1.17%
EG0.95%0.02%0.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EPIN or SPY?

EPIN has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EPIN or SPY?

Over the past year EPIN returned +38.72% vs +21.96% for SPY, so EPIN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPIN annualized +38.64% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EPIN or SPY?

EPIN has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EPIN -11.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both EPIN and SPY?

EPIN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EPIN and SPY?

EPIN and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EPIN or SPY?

EPIN yields 0.64% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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