VSGX vs. EPIN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) and EPIN (Harbor International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. VSGX is passively managed, while EPIN is actively managed. Over the past year, VSGX returned 28.16% vs 38.00% for EPIN. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VSGX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for EPIN.

Performance

VSGX vs. EPIN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) 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, VSGX achieves a 13.46% return, which is significantly lower than EPIN's 23.34% return.

VSGX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -1.24%
• 6M: 7.67%
• YTD: 13.46%
• 1Y: 28.16%
• 3Y*: 17.29%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 8.68%

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
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	$9.41M	$12.03M	$14.69M

VSGX vs. EPIN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	13.46%	14.27%
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	23.34%	14.36%

Correlation

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

VSGX vs. EPIN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSGX	EPIN
Technology	29.1%	29.6%
Financial Services	26.8%	19.1%
Industrials	9.2%	20.6%
Healthcare	8.9%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	7.0%
Basic Materials	5.3%	7.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	3.6%
Communication Services	4.1%	1.0%
Real Estate	2.8%	-
Utilities	0.7%	-
Energy	0.0%	3.8%

Return for Risk

VSGX vs. EPIN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VSGX vs. EPIN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) 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.

	VSGX	EPIN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.95	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.66	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.35	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.17	3.20	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.83	11.52	-3.69

VSGX vs. EPIN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the EPIN Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGX 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

VSGX vs. EPIN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGX drawdown since its inception was -33.09%, which is greater than EPIN's maximum drawdown of -11.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGX and EPIN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGX	EPIN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.09%	-11.64%	-21.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.84%	-11.64%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.83%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.25%	-2.49%	-1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.68%	-1.93%	-5.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.55%	3.23%	+0.32%

Volatility

VSGX vs. EPIN - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) has a higher volatility of 5.96% compared to Harbor International Equity ETF (EPIN) at 5.55%. This indicates that VSGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EPIN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGX	EPIN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.96%	5.55%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.56%	16.99%	-0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.37%	19.13%	-0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	18.37%	-1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.18%	18.37%	-0.19%

VSGX vs. EPIN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than EPIN's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSGX vs. EPIN - Dividend Comparison

VSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.99%, more than EPIN's 0.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EPIN Harbor International Equity ETF	0.64%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.99%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGX and EPIN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VSGX 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, VSGX or EPIN?

VSGX has higher volatility (5.96%) compared to EPIN (5.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGX dropped -33.09% vs EPIN's -11.64%.

Which ETF is better, VSGX or EPIN?

On 1-year performance, EPIN leads with 38.00% vs 28.16% for VSGX. On fees, VSGX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, EPIN has been the lower-risk option at 5.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSGX or EPIN?

Over the 1-year period, EPIN has performed better with a 38.00% return vs 28.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSGX or EPIN?

VSGX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for EPIN.

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

VSGX has the higher dividend yield at 2.99%, compared with 0.64% for EPIN.

What is the main difference between VSGX and EPIN?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Harbor. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VSGX and 0.80% for EPIN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPIN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.52), 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.