EPSB vs QQQ
Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EPSB delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPSB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.16% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.55% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPSB vs QQQ Performance
Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EPSB returned +29.55% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, EPSB is up 22.16% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.8% for EPSB. 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 -8.5% for EPSB 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPSB 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, EPSB currently yields 1.12% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPSB or QQQ?
EPSB 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, EPSB or QQQ?
Over the past year EPSB returned +29.55% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so EPSB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPSB annualized +30.66% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPSB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.8% for EPSB. Worst drawdown: EPSB -8.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPSB and QQQ?
EPSB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPSB and QQQ?
EPSB and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPSB or QQQ?
EPSB yields 1.12% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EPSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.