EPMB vs QQQ
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EPMB delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPMB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.76% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPMB vs QQQ Performance
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF (EPMB) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EPMB returned +26.76% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EPMB is up 17.71% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.6% for EPMB. 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 -8.9% for EPMB and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPMB charges 0.88% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $18 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPMB currently yields 1.53% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EPMB and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPMB or QQQ?
EPMB has an expense ratio of 0.88% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPMB or QQQ?
Over the past year EPMB returned +26.76% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so EPMB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPMB annualized +29.77% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPMB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for EPMB. Worst drawdown: EPMB -8.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPMB and QQQ?
EPMB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPMB and QQQ?
EPMB and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPMB or QQQ?
EPMB yields 1.53% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EPMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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