EPSB vs. SIFI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EPSB (Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF) and SIFI (Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPSB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Harbor, while SIFI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Harbor. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EPSB returned 32.14% vs 6.64% for SIFI. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPSB charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SIFI.

Performance

EPSB vs. SIFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) and Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPSB achieves a 21.25% return, which is significantly higher than SIFI's 1.26% return.

EPSB

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 3.53%
• YTD: 21.25%
• 6M: 19.22%
• 1Y: 32.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIFI

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.63%
• 1Y: 6.64%
• 3Y*: 7.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EPSB vs. SIFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	21.25%	14.56%
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	1.26%	6.88%

Correlation

The correlation between EPSB and SIFI is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2025	0.44

Return for Risk

EPSB vs. SIFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPSB

EPSB Risk / Return Rank: 70
EPSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
EPSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
EPSB Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EPSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
EPSB Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SIFI

SIFI Risk / Return Rank: 62
SIFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SIFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
SIFI Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SIFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SIFI Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. SIFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) and Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI). 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.

	EPSB	SIFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	2.00	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.06	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.38	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	2.46	+1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.96	10.05	+2.91

EPSB vs. SIFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPSB Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the SIFI Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPSB and SIFI, 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

EPSB vs. SIFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPSB drawdown since its inception was -8.46%, smaller than the maximum SIFI drawdown of -14.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPSB and SIFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPSB	SIFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-14.68%	+6.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.46%	-2.71%	-5.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-0.27%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-4.77%	+3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	0.66%	+1.83%

Volatility

EPSB vs. SIFI - Volatility Comparison

Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) has a higher volatility of 4.80% compared to Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI) at 0.79%. This indicates that EPSB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SIFI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPSB	SIFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	0.79%	+4.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.31%	2.49%	+8.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.34%	3.34%	+12.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.51%	4.92%	+10.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.51%	4.92%	+10.59%

EPSB vs. SIFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPSB has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than SIFI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPSB vs. SIFI - Dividend Comparison

EPSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than SIFI's 6.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	1.12%	1.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	6.44%	6.57%	5.87%	5.71%	3.88%	0.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPSB and SIFI in my portfolio?

EPSB and SIFI have a correlation of 0.44, 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 SIFI?

EPSB has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to SIFI (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPSB dropped -8.46% vs SIFI's -14.68%.

Which ETF is better, EPSB or SIFI?

On 1-year performance, EPSB leads with 32.14% vs 6.64% for SIFI. On fees, SIFI is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SIFI has been the lower-risk option at 0.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPSB or SIFI?

Over the 1-year period, EPSB has performed better with a 32.14% return vs 6.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPSB or SIFI?

SIFI is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for EPSB.

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

SIFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.44%, compared with 1.12% for EPSB.

What is the main difference between EPSB and SIFI?

EPSB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SIFI is Multisector Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.88% for EPSB and 0.50% for SIFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 2.00), 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.