VLLU vs. SIFI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and SIFI (Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VLLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while SIFI is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Harbor. VLLU is passively managed, while SIFI is actively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 24.32% vs 6.31% for SIFI. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SIFI.

Performance

VLLU vs. SIFI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) 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, VLLU achieves a 11.38% return, which is significantly higher than SIFI's 1.26% return.

VLLU

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 11.38%
• 6M: 10.08%
• 1Y: 24.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIFI

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

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

VLLU vs. SIFI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	11.38%	17.35%	1.89%
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	1.26%	8.83%	-0.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and SIFI is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2024	0.43

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. SIFI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 77
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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

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.

VLLU vs. SIFI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) 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.

	VLLU	SIFI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.90	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.91	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.36	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.86	2.33	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.98	9.55	+4.43

VLLU vs. SIFI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is comparable to the SIFI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU 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

VLLU vs. SIFI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, which is greater than SIFI's maximum drawdown of -14.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and SIFI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	SIFI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-14.68%	-1.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-2.71%	-3.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-0.27%	-0.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.41%	-4.77%	+2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.74%	0.66%	+1.08%

Volatility

VLLU vs. SIFI - Volatility Comparison

Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF (SIFI) at 0.79%. This indicates that VLLU'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

	VLLU	SIFI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	0.79%	+3.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.46%	2.48%	+5.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.23%	3.34%	+7.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.82%	4.91%	+9.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.82%	4.91%	+9.91%

VLLU vs. SIFI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SIFI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLLU vs. SIFI - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, less than SIFI's 6.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SIFI Harbor Scientific Alpha Income ETF	6.44%	6.57%	5.87%	5.71%	3.88%	0.86%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.36%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and SIFI in my portfolio?

VLLU and SIFI have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLLU or SIFI?

VLLU has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to SIFI (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs SIFI's -14.68%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or SIFI?

On 1-year performance, VLLU leads with 24.32% vs 6.31% for SIFI. On fees, VLLU is cheaper at 0.25% 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, VLLU or SIFI?

Over the 1-year period, VLLU has performed better with a 24.32% return vs 6.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or SIFI?

VLLU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SIFI.

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

SIFI has the higher dividend yield at 6.44%, compared with 1.36% for VLLU.

What is the main difference between VLLU and SIFI?

VLLU is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SIFI is Multisector Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.50% for SIFI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 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.