DFAS vs. SIXS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) and SIXS (6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAS returned 15.22%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for SIXS. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAS charges 0.34%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for SIXS.

Performance

DFAS vs. SIXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAS achieves a 12.81% return, which is significantly higher than SIXS's 5.36% return.

DFAS

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.65%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIXS

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -2.88%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 16.34%
• 3Y*: 10.42%
• 5Y*: 3.28%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAS vs. SIXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	12.81%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.94%
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	5.36%	4.59%	5.85%	14.92%	-18.52%	7.99%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAS and SIXS is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.91

The correlation between DFAS and SIXS shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (1 year) to 0.91 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DFAS vs. SIXS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAS	SIXS
Financial Services	19.5%	23.0%
Industrials	18.6%	7.3%
Technology	15.0%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	6.4%
Healthcare	11.0%	16.2%
Energy	6.7%	2.7%
Basic Materials	5.6%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	10.8%
Utilities	3.8%	12.1%
Communication Services	2.8%	5.9%
Real Estate	0.2%	9.0%

Return for Risk

DFAS vs. SIXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 51
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SIXS

SIXS Risk / Return Rank: 38
SIXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SIXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SIXS Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SIXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SIXS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

DFAS vs. SIXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) and 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS). 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.

	DFAS	SIXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.24	+0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	1.87	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.22	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	2.29	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.17	6.90	+3.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFAS vs. SIXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is higher than the SIXS Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAS and SIXS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFAS	SIXS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	1.24	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.71	-0.35

Drawdowns

DFAS vs. SIXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAS drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, smaller than the maximum SIXS drawdown of -27.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAS and SIXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAS	SIXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-27.68%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-7.16%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.13%	-19.95%	-6.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-4.19%	+3.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-8.95%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	2.37%	+0.36%

Volatility

DFAS vs. SIXS - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) has a higher volatility of 4.31% compared to 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) at 3.53%. This indicates that DFAS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SIXS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAS	SIXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	3.53%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.58%	8.91%	+2.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.77%	13.30%	+3.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.84%	17.63%	+3.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	19.66%	+1.18%

DFAS vs. SIXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAS has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than SIXS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAS vs. SIXS - Dividend Comparison

DFAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than SIXS's 1.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.92%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%	0.00%
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	1.81%	1.62%	1.09%	1.60%	1.37%	0.94%	0.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAS and SIXS in my portfolio?

DFAS and SIXS have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAS or SIXS?

DFAS has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to SIXS (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAS dropped -26.13% vs SIXS's -27.68%.

Which ETF is better, DFAS or SIXS?

On 3-year performance, DFAS leads with 15.22% vs 10.42% for SIXS. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, SIXS has been the lower-risk option at 3.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAS or SIXS?

Over the 3-year period, DFAS has performed better with a 15.22% return vs 10.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAS or SIXS?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SIXS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAS or SIXS?

SIXS has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.92% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between DFAS and SIXS?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for DFAS and 1.00% for SIXS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.24), 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.