ESIX vs. SAEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESIX (SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index, while SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab. ESIX is passively managed, while SAEF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, ESIX returned 14.39%/yr vs 13.25%/yr for SAEF. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESIX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

ESIX vs. SAEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESIX achieves a 10.83% return, which is significantly higher than SAEF's 9.41% return.

ESIX

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 9.86%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SAEF

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 2.14%
• YTD: 9.41%
• 6M: 11.92%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 13.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESIX vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	10.83%	1.83%	9.66%	17.51%	-14.62%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	9.41%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.58%

Correlation

The correlation between ESIX and SAEF is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 12, 2022	0.92

The correlation between ESIX and SAEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESIX vs. SAEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESIX	SAEF
Industrials	17.2%	20.3%
Financial Services	17.0%	15.0%
Technology	16.6%	14.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	22.6%
Healthcare	10.8%	10.0%
Real Estate	6.9%	4.5%
Energy	6.7%	-
Basic Materials	4.4%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	3.3%
Communication Services	2.9%	7.5%
Utilities	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

ESIX vs. SAEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESIX

ESIX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ESIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
ESIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ESIX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ESIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ESIX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 35
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

ESIX vs. SAEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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.

	ESIX	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.27	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	1.90	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.22	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	1.86	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.57	5.04	+1.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESIX vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESIX and SAEF, 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

	ESIX	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	1.27	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.21	+0.03

Drawdowns

ESIX vs. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESIX drawdown since its inception was -27.56%, roughly equal to the maximum SAEF drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESIX and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESIX	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.56%	-28.05%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.18%	-12.81%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.56%	-27.40%	-0.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-1.28%	-1.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.59%	-10.39%	+1.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.22%	4.73%	-1.51%

Volatility

ESIX vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) is 4.19%, while Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a volatility of 4.89%. This indicates that ESIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESIX	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.19%	4.89%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	13.96%	-1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.99%	18.79%	-0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.53%	21.40%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.53%	21.40%	+0.13%

ESIX vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESIX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESIX vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

ESIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, more than SAEF's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	1.45%	1.64%	1.65%	1.69%	1.54%	0.00%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESIX and SAEF in my portfolio?

ESIX and SAEF have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESIX or SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to ESIX (4.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESIX dropped -27.56% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, ESIX or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, ESIX leads with 14.39% vs 13.25% for SAEF. On fees, ESIX is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, ESIX has been the lower-risk option at 4.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESIX or SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, ESIX has performed better with a 14.39% return vs 13.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESIX or SAEF?

ESIX is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESIX or SAEF?

ESIX has the higher dividend yield at 1.45%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between ESIX and SAEF?

ESIX is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SAEF is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for ESIX and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.20), 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.