EPSB vs SPY
Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EPSB delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPSB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.80% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.85% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EPSB vs SPY Performance
Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) 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 EPSB returned +30.85% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, EPSB is up 20.80% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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
EPSB 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, EPSB currently yields 1.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EPSB and SPY share 21 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPSB or SPY?
EPSB 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, EPSB or SPY?
Over the past year EPSB returned +30.85% vs +23.66% for SPY, so EPSB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPSB annualized +29.88% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPSB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.8% for EPSB. Worst drawdown: EPSB -8.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPSB and SPY?
EPSB 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 EPSB and SPY?
EPSB and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPSB or SPY?
EPSB yields 1.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EPSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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