EPEM vs. IEMG

Last updated Jun 26, 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. Over the past year, EPEM returned 43.86% vs 41.51% for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.94 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

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with EPEM having a 23.82% return and IEMG slightly lower at 23.22%.

EPEM

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 23.82%
• 6M: 25.68%
• 1Y: 43.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IEMG

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: -0.88%
• YTD: 23.22%
• 6M: 23.74%
• 1Y: 41.51%
• 3Y*: 22.40%
• 5Y*: 7.12%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

*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	23.82%	20.73%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	23.22%	19.41%

Correlation

The correlation between EPEM and IEMG is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.94

The correlation between EPEM and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

EPEM vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPEM	IEMG
Technology	42.1%	42.1%
Financial Services	22.1%	16.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	2.8%
Basic Materials	6.0%	6.3%
Communication Services	5.6%	5.6%
Energy	3.2%	3.3%
Industrials	2.5%	8.0%
Healthcare	1.8%	3.2%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.6%
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

EPEM vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPEM

EPEM Risk / Return Rank: 72
EPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
EPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
EPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
EPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 69
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EPEM	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.90	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.46	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.37	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	3.16	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.86	11.46	+0.40

EPEM vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPEM and IEMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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	-13.27%	-13.21%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.04%	-4.45%	-1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.11%	-12.93%	+10.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	3.63%	+0.08%

Volatility

EPEM vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is 10.03%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 11.67%. This indicates that EPEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPEM	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.03%	11.67%	-1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.89%	20.13%	-1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.10%	22.00%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	18.99%	+1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	20.19%	+0.65%

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 2.96%, more than IEMG's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.96%	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	2.19%	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 0.94, 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 is riskier, EPEM or IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to EPEM (10.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPEM dropped -13.27% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, EPEM or IEMG?

On 1-year performance, EPEM leads with 43.86% vs 41.51% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, EPEM has been the lower-risk option at 10.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPEM or IEMG?

Over the 1-year period, EPEM has performed better with a 43.86% return vs 41.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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 2.96%, compared with 2.19% 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.90), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.