EPEM vs. STXE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

EPEM (Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and STXE (Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. EPEM is actively managed, while STXE is passively managed. Over the past year, EPEM returned 44.02% vs 71.69% for STXE. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPEM charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for STXE.

Performance

EPEM vs. STXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPEM achieves a 23.73% return, which is significantly lower than STXE's 44.15% return.

EPEM

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 23.73%
• 6M: 25.59%
• 1Y: 44.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STXE

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 6.32%
• YTD: 44.15%
• 6M: 45.89%
• 1Y: 71.69%
• 3Y*: 28.59%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EPEM vs. STXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	23.73%	20.73%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	44.15%	23.85%

Correlation

The correlation between EPEM and STXE is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.89

The correlation between EPEM and STXE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EPEM vs. STXE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPEM

EPEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
EPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
EPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
EPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
EPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
EPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

STXE

STXE Risk / Return Rank: 89
STXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
STXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
STXE Omega Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
STXE Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. STXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE). 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	STXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.71	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	3.26	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.50	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.33	4.97	-1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.97	19.10	-7.13

EPEM vs. STXE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the STXE Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPEM and STXE, 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. STXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPEM drawdown since its inception was -13.27%, smaller than the maximum STXE drawdown of -18.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPEM and STXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPEM	STXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-18.92%	+5.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.27%	-14.51%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.10%	-6.36%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-3.72%	+1.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	3.77%	-0.08%

Volatility

EPEM vs. STXE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) is 10.68%, while Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) has a volatility of 15.50%. This indicates that EPEM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPEM	STXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.68%	15.50%	-4.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.89%	24.94%	-6.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.19%	26.68%	-5.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.88%	19.07%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.88%	19.07%	+1.81%

EPEM vs. STXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPEM has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than STXE's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPEM vs. STXE - Dividend Comparison

EPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.96%, more than STXE's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.96%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%
STXE Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	1.86%	2.66%	3.22%	1.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPEM and STXE in my portfolio?

EPEM and STXE have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPEM or STXE?

STXE has higher volatility (15.50%) compared to EPEM (10.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPEM dropped -13.27% vs STXE's -18.92%.

Which ETF is better, EPEM or STXE?

On 1-year performance, STXE leads with 71.69% vs 44.02% for EPEM. On fees, STXE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, EPEM has been the lower-risk option at 10.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPEM or STXE?

Over the 1-year period, STXE has performed better with a 71.69% return vs 44.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPEM or STXE?

STXE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPEM.

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

EPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 1.86% for STXE.

What is the main difference between EPEM and STXE?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Strive. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPEM and 0.32% for STXE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 2.10), 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.