EPEM vs. EMDM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EPEM (Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and EMDM (First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. EPEM is actively managed, while EMDM is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPEM charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for EMDM.

Performance

EPEM vs. EMDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPEM achieves a 28.50% return, which is significantly lower than EMDM's 37.52% return.

EPEM

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 28.50%
• 6M: 31.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EMDM

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 7.06%
• YTD: 37.52%
• 6M: 43.44%
• 1Y: 87.87%
• 3Y*: 32.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EPEM vs. EMDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	28.50%	20.76%
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	37.52%	35.74%

Correlation

The correlation between EPEM and EMDM is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2025	0.88

EPEM vs. EMDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPEM	EMDM
Technology	39.4%	32.1%
Financial Services	22.7%	27.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	3.4%
Basic Materials	6.5%	15.1%
Communication Services	6.0%	4.3%
Energy	3.6%	6.3%
Industrials	3.1%	3.3%
Healthcare	2.1%	0.5%
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

EPEM vs. EMDM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EMDM

EMDM Risk / Return Rank: 93
EMDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
EMDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
EMDM Omega Ratio Rank: 93
EMDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
EMDM Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EPEM vs. EMDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPEM	EMDM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.88	1.56	+1.33

Drawdowns

EPEM vs. EMDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPEM drawdown since its inception was -13.27%, smaller than the maximum EMDM drawdown of -18.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPEM and EMDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPEM	EMDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-18.81%	+5.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.65%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-2.40%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-4.07%	+2.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.77%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EPEM	EMDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.49%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	20.83%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.36%	23.45%	-4.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.36%	19.79%	-0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.36%	19.79%	-0.43%

EPEM vs. EMDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPEM has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than EMDM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPEM vs. EMDM - Dividend Comparison

EPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than EMDM's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EMDM First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF	2.60%	3.57%	5.87%	2.16%
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.85%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPEM and EMDM in my portfolio?

EPEM and EMDM have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EPEM or EMDM?

On fees, EMDM is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPEM or EMDM?

EMDM is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPEM or EMDM?

EPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 2.60% for EMDM.

What is the main difference between EPEM and EMDM?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPEM and 0.75% for EMDM.