EPMB vs VYM
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EPMB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPMB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +13.54% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.25% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EPMB vs VYM Performance
Harbor Mid Cap Core ETF (EPMB) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPMB returned +22.25% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, EPMB is up 13.54% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 12.2% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPMB charges 0.88% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $4 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPMB currently yields 1.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EPMB and VYM share 27 holdings out of 635 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPMB or VYM?
EPMB has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPMB or VYM?
Over the past year EPMB returned +22.25% vs +21.39% for VYM, so EPMB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPMB annualized +24.97% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPMB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 12.2% for EPMB. Worst drawdown: EPMB -8.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EPMB and VYM?
EPMB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPMB and VYM?
EPMB and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPMB or VYM?
EPMB yields 1.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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