EPSB vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EPSB (Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. EPSB is actively managed, while ISMD is passively managed. Over the past year, EPSB returned 29.37% vs 36.88% for ISMD. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPSB charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

EPSB vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPSB achieves a 18.61% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 21.54% return.

EPSB

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 29.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 21.54%
• 6M: 20.97%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

EPSB vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	18.61%	13.67%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	21.54%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between EPSB and ISMD is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2025	0.87

The correlation between EPSB and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

EPSB vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPSB	ISMD
Industrials	29.9%	17.7%
Technology	22.6%	17.3%
Financial Services	13.8%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	11.2%
Basic Materials	7.1%	5.2%
Healthcare	6.3%	9.5%
Real Estate	6.1%	8.9%
Energy	3.2%	3.3%
Utilities	3.1%	3.3%
Communication Services	-	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.1%

Return for Risk

EPSB vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPSB

EPSB Risk / Return Rank: 64
EPSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
EPSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EPSB Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EPSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EPSB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 63
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EPSB vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	EPSB	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.01	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	2.82	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	3.84	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	12.04	-0.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EPSB vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPSB and ISMD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPSB	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	2.01	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	0.40	+1.68

Drawdowns

EPSB vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPSB drawdown since its inception was -8.46%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPSB and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPSB	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-44.60%	+36.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.46%	-9.64%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.62%	+1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-8.17%	+6.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	3.07%	-0.58%

Volatility

EPSB vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) is 4.44%, while Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that EPSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPSB	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	4.95%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.87%	12.52%	-1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	18.56%	-3.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	20.87%	-5.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	23.74%	-8.36%

EPSB vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPSB has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPSB vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

EPSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than ISMD's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	1.15%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPSB and ISMD in my portfolio?

EPSB and ISMD have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPSB or ISMD?

ISMD has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to EPSB (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPSB dropped -8.46% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, EPSB or ISMD?

On 1-year performance, ISMD leads with 36.88% vs 29.37% for EPSB. On fees, ISMD is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, EPSB has been the lower-risk option at 4.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPSB or ISMD?

Over the 1-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 36.88% return vs 29.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPSB or ISMD?

ISMD is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for EPSB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPSB or ISMD?

EPSB has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.95% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between EPSB and ISMD?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.88% for EPSB and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.98), 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.