FTCE vs. SIXA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FTCE (First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF) and SIXA (6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. FTCE is passively managed, while SIXA is actively managed. Over the past year, FTCE returned 23.07% vs 19.31% for SIXA. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTCE charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for SIXA.

Performance

FTCE vs. SIXA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) and 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTCE achieves a 10.31% return, which is significantly lower than SIXA's 14.32% return.

FTCE

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 0.48%
• 6M: 7.64%
• YTD: 10.31%
• 1Y: 23.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIXA

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 12.53%
• YTD: 14.32%
• 1Y: 19.31%
• 3Y*: 20.25%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

FTCE vs. SIXA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	10.31%	26.14%	-0.02%
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	14.32%	15.52%	-0.96%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCE and SIXA is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	0.67

The correlation between FTCE and SIXA shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTCE vs. SIXA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTCE	SIXA
Technology	38.9%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	3.9%
Financial Services	10.6%	7.7%
Healthcare	8.7%	14.5%
Industrials	8.3%	6.5%
Communication Services	8.0%	13.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	23.2%
Energy	3.5%	4.8%
Utilities	2.0%	5.0%
Basic Materials	2.0%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	1.3%

Return for Risk

FTCE vs. SIXA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCE

FTCE Risk / Return Rank: 61
FTCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FTCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FTCE Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FTCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FTCE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

SIXA

SIXA Risk / Return Rank: 85
SIXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SIXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
SIXA Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SIXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SIXA Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

FTCE vs. SIXA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) and 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA). 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.

	FTCE	SIXA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.19	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	3.28	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	3.47	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.70	13.15	-5.45

FTCE vs. SIXA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SIXA Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTCE and SIXA, 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

FTCE vs. SIXA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCE drawdown since its inception was -18.11%, roughly equal to the maximum SIXA drawdown of -18.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCE and SIXA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCE	SIXA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.11%	-18.38%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-5.59%	-4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.82%	0.00%	-3.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-2.96%	+0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	1.47%	+1.53%

Volatility

FTCE vs. SIXA - Volatility Comparison

First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) has a higher volatility of 3.79% compared to 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA) at 2.46%. This indicates that FTCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SIXA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTCE	SIXA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	2.46%	+1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	6.89%	+4.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.72%	8.87%	+4.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	12.78%	+3.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	13.28%	+3.44%

FTCE vs. SIXA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCE has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than SIXA's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCE vs. SIXA - Dividend Comparison

FTCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.66%, less than SIXA's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	0.66%	0.96%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	2.00%	2.31%	1.62%	2.12%	2.23%	1.63%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTCE and SIXA in my portfolio?

FTCE and SIXA have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTCE or SIXA?

FTCE has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to SIXA (2.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCE dropped -18.11% vs SIXA's -18.38%.

Which ETF is better, FTCE or SIXA?

On 1-year performance, FTCE leads with 23.07% vs 19.31% for SIXA. On fees, FTCE is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SIXA has been the lower-risk option at 2.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTCE or SIXA?

Over the 1-year period, FTCE has performed better with a 23.07% return vs 19.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTCE or SIXA?

FTCE is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for SIXA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTCE or SIXA?

SIXA has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.66% for FTCE.

What is the main difference between FTCE and SIXA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTCE and 0.86% for SIXA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIXA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.69), 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.