HAPS vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HAPS (Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF) and SPSM (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - HAPS tracks the Human Capital Factor Small Cap Index - Benchmark TR Gross while SPSM tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HAPS returned 13.58%/yr vs 16.26%/yr for SPSM. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HAPS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

HAPS vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HAPS achieves a 14.76% return, which is significantly lower than SPSM's 19.33% return.

HAPS

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 14.76%
• 6M: 12.78%
• 1Y: 30.70%
• 3Y*: 13.58%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPSM

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 19.33%
• 6M: 16.91%
• 1Y: 34.61%
• 3Y*: 16.26%
• 5Y*: 6.36%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

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

HAPS vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HAPS Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF	14.76%	8.35%	4.08%	13.63%
SPSM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	19.33%	6.11%	8.55%	14.93%

Correlation

The correlation between HAPS and SPSM is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2023	0.95

The correlation between HAPS and SPSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

HAPS vs. SPSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAPS	SPSM
Financial Services	17.3%	16.5%
Technology	16.8%	17.1%
Healthcare	16.1%	11.0%
Industrials	14.7%	15.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	13.1%
Energy	7.2%	5.4%
Real Estate	5.9%	7.6%
Basic Materials	5.7%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	3.6%
Communication Services	2.7%	3.7%
Utilities	2.5%	1.9%

Return for Risk

HAPS vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAPS

HAPS Risk / Return Rank: 61
HAPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
HAPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
HAPS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
HAPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
HAPS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

HAPS vs. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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.

	HAPS	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.97	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.85	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	3.99	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.43	13.45	-3.03

HAPS vs. SPSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAPS Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the SPSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAPS and SPSM, 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

HAPS vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAPS drawdown since its inception was -27.44%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAPS and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAPS	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.44%	-42.89%	+15.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.01%	-8.72%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-27.94%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.41%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-7.89%	+1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	2.58%	+0.37%

Volatility

HAPS vs. SPSM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF (HAPS) is 4.01%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) has a volatility of 4.93%. This indicates that HAPS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HAPS	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	4.93%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	12.04%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.10%	17.65%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	21.42%	-0.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.75%	22.99%	-2.24%

HAPS vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAPS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAPS vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

HAPS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than SPSM's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HAPS Harbor Human Capital Factor US Small Cap ETF	0.49%	0.57%	0.72%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.41%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAPS and SPSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, HAPS and SPSM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, HAPS or SPSM?

SPSM has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to HAPS (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAPS dropped -27.44% vs SPSM's -42.89%.

Which ETF is better, HAPS or SPSM?

On 3-year performance, SPSM leads with 16.26% vs 13.58% for HAPS. On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, HAPS has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAPS or SPSM?

Over the 3-year period, SPSM has performed better with a 16.26% return vs 13.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAPS or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HAPS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HAPS or SPSM?

SPSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.49% for HAPS.

What is the main difference between HAPS and SPSM?

HAPS tracks Human Capital Factor Small Cap Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while SPSM tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HAPS and 0.03% for SPSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.81), 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.