GDIV vs. ESN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

GDIV (Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. GDIV is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Over the past year, GDIV returned 23.99% vs 27.64% for ESN. Their 0.75 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. GDIV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

GDIV vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDIV achieves a 13.44% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 16.65% return.

GDIV

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 1.97%
• 6M: 8.92%
• YTD: 13.44%
• 1Y: 23.99%
• 3Y*: 15.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.93%

ESN

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -0.26%
• 6M: 12.11%
• YTD: 16.65%
• 1Y: 27.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.50%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	$2.17M	$1.60M	$1.63M
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	$154.83K	$211.08K	$199.90K

GDIV vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	13.44%	10.81%	-2.37%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	16.65%	16.52%	-3.53%

Correlation

The correlation between GDIV and ESN is 0.70, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2024	0.75

The correlation between GDIV and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDIV vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

GDIV

GDIV Risk / Return Rank: 78
GDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
GDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
GDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 82
GDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 93
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

GDIV vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	GDIV	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.65	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.65	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.46	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	4.12	-1.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.80	16.52	-6.72

GDIV vs. ESN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the ESN Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDIV and ESN, 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

GDIV vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDIV drawdown since its inception was -18.93%, which is greater than ESN's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDIV and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDIV	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.93%	-13.60%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-6.42%	-3.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-0.53%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-1.81%	-1.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.31%	1.60%	+0.71%

Volatility

GDIV vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison

Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF (GDIV) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) have volatilities of 2.66% and 2.65%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDIV	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	2.65%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	7.51%	+1.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.95%	9.98%	+1.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.14%	13.04%	+2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.14%	13.04%	+2.10%

GDIV vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDIV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDIV vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

GDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, more than ESN's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.78%	0.91%	0.76%	0.00%	0.00%
GDIV Harbor Dividend Growth Leaders ETF	1.13%	1.19%	1.30%	2.27%	5.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDIV and ESN in my portfolio?

GDIV and ESN have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDIV or ESN?

GDIV has higher volatility (2.66%) compared to ESN (2.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDIV dropped -18.93% vs ESN's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, GDIV or ESN?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 27.64% vs 23.99% for GDIV. On fees, GDIV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDIV or ESN?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 27.64% return vs 23.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDIV or ESN?

GDIV is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ESN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDIV or ESN?

GDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.78% for ESN.

What is the main difference between GDIV and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and KKM. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GDIV and 0.70% for ESN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 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.