EPEM vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EPEM (Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. EPEM is actively managed, while IEMG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPEM charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

EPEM vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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 higher than IEMG's 24.98% return.

EPEM

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

IEMG

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 4.82%
• YTD: 24.98%
• 6M: 27.43%
• 1Y: 49.24%
• 3Y*: 23.19%
• 5Y*: 7.36%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

EPEM vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	28.50%	20.76%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	24.98%	18.84%

Correlation

The correlation between EPEM and IEMG is 0.95, 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	0.95

EPEM vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPEM	IEMG
Technology	39.4%	35.0%
Financial Services	22.7%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	9.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	3.3%
Basic Materials	6.5%	6.9%
Communication Services	6.0%	6.4%
Energy	3.6%	3.8%
Industrials	3.1%	9.0%
Healthcare	2.1%	3.7%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.7%
Utilities	-	2.2%

Return for Risk

EPEM vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 77
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.88	0.35	+2.54

Drawdowns

EPEM vs. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPEM drawdown since its inception was -13.27%, smaller than the maximum IEMG drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPEM and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPEM	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-38.71%	+25.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.83%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-2.30%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-12.97%	+11.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.43%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EPEM	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.24%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.97%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.36%	19.47%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.36%	18.38%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.36%	20.03%	-0.67%

EPEM vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPEM has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPEM vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

EPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than IEMG's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.85%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.20%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPEM and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, EPEM and IEMG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, EPEM or IEMG?

On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPEM or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPEM.

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

EPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 2.20% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between EPEM and IEMG?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPEM and 0.09% for IEMG.