EPSV vs VYM
Harbor SMID Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EPSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPSV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +29.32% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.61% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EPSV vs VYM Performance
Harbor SMID Cap Value ETF (EPSV) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EPSV returned +45.61% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EPSV is up 29.32% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.5% 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 -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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPSV 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, EPSV currently yields 2.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EPSV and VYM share 26 holdings out of 589 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPSV or VYM?
EPSV 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, EPSV or VYM?
Over the past year EPSV returned +45.61% vs +26.05% for VYM, so EPSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EPSV annualized +43.99% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPSV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for EPSV. Worst drawdown: EPSV -8.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EPSV and VYM?
EPSV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPSV and VYM?
EPSV and VYM share 26 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPSV or VYM?
EPSV yields 2.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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