SIFI vs. EPEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SIFI (Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF) and EPEM (Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SIFI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Harbor, while EPEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Harbor. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SIFI returned 6.31% vs 55.59% for EPEM. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SIFI charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for EPEM.

Performance

SIFI vs. EPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIFI achieves a 1.26% return, which is significantly lower than EPEM's 30.08% return.

SIFI

• 1D: -0.00%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.26%
• 6M: 1.45%
• 1Y: 6.31%
• 3Y*: 7.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EPEM

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.95%
• YTD: 30.08%
• 6M: 33.09%
• 1Y: 55.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIFI vs. EPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	1.26%	5.61%
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	30.08%	20.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SIFI and EPEM is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

SIFI vs. EPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIFI

SIFI Risk / Return Rank: 62
SIFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
SIFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SIFI Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SIFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SIFI Martin Ratio Rank: 58

EPEM

EPEM Risk / Return Rank: 83
EPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
EPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
EPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
EPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

SIFI vs. EPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI) and Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM). 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.

	SIFI	EPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.70	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	3.37	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.49	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	4.21	-1.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.55	15.27	-5.73

SIFI vs. EPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIFI Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the EPEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIFI and EPEM, 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

SIFI vs. EPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIFI drawdown since its inception was -14.68%, which is greater than EPEM's maximum drawdown of -13.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIFI and EPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIFI	EPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.68%	-13.27%	-1.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.71%	-13.27%	+10.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.29%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-2.06%	-2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	3.65%	-2.99%

Volatility

SIFI vs. EPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI) is 0.79%, while Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EPEM) has a volatility of 9.49%. This indicates that SIFI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIFI	EPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.79%	9.49%	-8.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.48%	18.28%	-15.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.34%	20.71%	-17.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.91%	20.44%	-15.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.91%	20.44%	-15.53%

SIFI vs. EPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIFI has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than EPEM's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIFI vs. EPEM - Dividend Comparison

SIFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.44%, more than EPEM's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
EPEM Harbor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.82%	3.66%	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 SIFI and EPEM in my portfolio?

SIFI and EPEM have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIFI or EPEM?

EPEM has higher volatility (9.49%) compared to SIFI (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIFI dropped -14.68% vs EPEM's -13.27%.

Which ETF is better, SIFI or EPEM?

On 1-year performance, EPEM leads with 55.59% vs 6.31% 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, SIFI or EPEM?

Over the 1-year period, EPEM has performed better with a 55.59% return vs 6.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIFI or EPEM?

SIFI is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPEM.

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

SIFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.44%, compared with 2.82% for EPEM.

What is the main difference between SIFI and EPEM?

SIFI is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while EPEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SIFI and 0.84% for EPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 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.