IXUS vs. EPIN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IXUS (iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF) and EPIN (Harbor International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. IXUS is passively managed, while EPIN is actively managed. Over the past year, IXUS returned 27.79% vs 38.00% for EPIN. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. IXUS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for EPIN.

Performance

IXUS vs. EPIN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXUS achieves a 13.14% return, which is significantly lower than EPIN's 23.34% return.

IXUS

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.19%
• 6M: 7.11%
• YTD: 13.14%
• 1Y: 27.79%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 8.76%
• 10Y*: 9.51%
• ALL TIME*: 7.89%

EPIN

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: -0.70%
• 6M: 14.34%
• YTD: 23.34%
• 1Y: 38.00%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 34.77%

*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)
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	$41.81K	$24.58K	$20.32K
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	$147.19M	$143.47M	$175.73M

IXUS vs. EPIN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	13.14%	14.65%
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	23.34%	14.36%

Correlation

The correlation between IXUS and EPIN is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.93

The correlation between IXUS and EPIN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXUS vs. EPIN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXUS	EPIN
Technology	22.4%	29.6%
Financial Services	22.3%	19.1%
Industrials	14.9%	20.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	7.0%
Basic Materials	7.0%	7.1%
Healthcare	6.9%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	3.6%
Communication Services	4.5%	1.0%
Energy	4.3%	3.8%
Utilities	2.9%	-
Real Estate	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

IXUS vs. EPIN — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXUS

IXUS Risk / Return Rank: 71
IXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 72
IXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 72

EPIN

EPIN Risk / Return Rank: 83
EPIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
EPIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EPIN Omega Ratio Rank: 82
EPIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
EPIN Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

IXUS vs. EPIN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN). 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.

	IXUS	EPIN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.95	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	2.66	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	3.20	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.87	11.52	-2.65

IXUS vs. EPIN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the EPIN Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXUS and EPIN, 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

IXUS vs. EPIN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXUS drawdown since its inception was -36.22%, which is greater than EPIN's maximum drawdown of -11.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXUS and EPIN.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXUS	EPIN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.22%	-11.64%	-24.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-11.64%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.03%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.73%	-2.49%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.45%	-1.93%	-5.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.08%	3.23%	-0.15%

Volatility

IXUS vs. EPIN - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) have volatilities of 5.36% and 5.55%, 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

	IXUS	EPIN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.36%	5.55%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.27%	16.99%	-1.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	19.13%	-2.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.52%	18.37%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.97%	18.37%	-1.40%

IXUS vs. EPIN - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than EPIN's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXUS vs. EPIN - Dividend Comparison

IXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.97%, more than EPIN's 0.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	0.64%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IXUS iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF	2.97%	3.24%	3.33%	3.13%	2.48%	3.12%	1.85%	3.09%	3.00%	2.41%	2.58%	2.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXUS and EPIN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, IXUS and EPIN 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, IXUS or EPIN?

EPIN has higher volatility (5.55%) compared to IXUS (5.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXUS dropped -36.22% vs EPIN's -11.64%.

Which ETF is better, IXUS or EPIN?

On 1-year performance, EPIN leads with 38.00% vs 27.79% for IXUS. On fees, IXUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, IXUS has been the lower-risk option at 5.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXUS or EPIN?

Over the 1-year period, EPIN has performed better with a 38.00% return vs 27.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXUS or EPIN?

IXUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for EPIN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXUS or EPIN?

IXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.97%, compared with 0.64% for EPIN.

What is the main difference between IXUS and EPIN?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Harbor. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IXUS and 0.80% for EPIN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPIN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.61), 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.