EPEM vs. PEMX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EPEM (Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPEM charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

EPEM vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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 PEMX's 38.90% return.

EPEM

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

PEMX

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 7.45%
• YTD: 38.90%
• 6M: 44.55%
• 1Y: 72.01%
• 3Y*: 34.40%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EPEM vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	28.50%	20.76%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	38.90%	23.72%

Correlation

The correlation between EPEM and PEMX 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. PEMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPEM	PEMX
Technology	39.4%	45.0%
Financial Services	22.7%	24.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	1.2%
Basic Materials	6.5%	2.8%
Communication Services	6.0%	6.6%
Energy	3.6%	-
Industrials	3.1%	8.6%
Healthcare	2.1%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.9%
Utilities	-	4.5%

Return for Risk

EPEM vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 90
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.88	1.96	+0.93

Drawdowns

EPEM vs. PEMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPEM drawdown since its inception was -13.27%, smaller than the maximum PEMX drawdown of -14.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPEM and PEMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPEM	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-14.91%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.45%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-1.67%	-0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-2.84%	+0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EPEM	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.36%	21.54%	-2.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.36%	18.18%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.36%	18.18%	+1.18%

EPEM vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPEM has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPEM vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

EPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, less than PEMX's 5.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.85%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.04%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPEM and PEMX in my portfolio?

EPEM and PEMX 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 PEMX?

On fees, EPEM is cheaper at 0.84% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPEM or PEMX?

EPEM is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

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

PEMX has the higher dividend yield at 5.04%, compared with 2.85% for EPEM.

What is the main difference between EPEM and PEMX?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPEM and 0.85% for PEMX.