EPSV vs VTI
Harbor SMID Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. EPSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPSV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +25.73% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.50% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
EPSV vs VTI Performance
Harbor SMID Cap Value ETF (EPSV) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPSV returned +37.50% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EPSV is up 25.73% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.7% for EPSV. 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 EPSV and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPSV charges 0.88% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPSV currently yields 2.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EPSV and VTI share 48 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPSV or VTI?
EPSV has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPSV or VTI?
Over the past year EPSV returned +37.50% vs +21.39% for VTI, so EPSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPSV annualized +39.94% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPSV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for EPSV. Worst drawdown: EPSV -8.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EPSV and VTI?
EPSV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPSV and VTI?
EPSV and VTI share 48 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPSV or VTI?
EPSV yields 2.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EPSV 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.