EPMB vs SPY
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EPMB delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPMB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.34% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EPMB vs SPY Performance
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF (EPMB) 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 EPMB returned +28.49% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EPMB is up 17.34% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPMB charges 0.88% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $9 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPMB currently yields 1.53% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EPMB and SPY share 38 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPMB or SPY?
EPMB has an expense ratio of 0.88% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPMB or SPY?
Over the past year EPMB returned +28.49% vs +21.53% for SPY, so EPMB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPMB annualized +29.52% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPMB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for EPMB. Worst drawdown: EPMB -8.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPMB and SPY?
EPMB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPMB and SPY?
EPMB and SPY share 38 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPMB or SPY?
EPMB yields 1.53% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EPMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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