IQSM vs. SIXL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) and SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. IQSM is passively managed, while SIXL is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IQSM returned 11.95%/yr vs 10.04%/yr for SIXL. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IQSM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SIXL.

Performance

IQSM vs. SIXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQSM achieves a 14.43% return, which is significantly higher than SIXL's 11.93% return.

IQSM

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 1.47%
• 6M: 8.69%
• YTD: 14.43%
• 1Y: 22.34%
• 3Y*: 11.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIXL

• 1D: 1.90%
• 1M: 4.27%
• 6M: 7.06%
• YTD: 11.93%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: 10.04%
• 5Y*: 5.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

IQSM vs. SIXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	14.43%	7.97%	9.15%	15.82%	2.29%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	11.93%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	4.88%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSM and SIXL 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2022	0.69

Over the past year, the correlation between IQSM and SIXL has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.69, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IQSM vs. SIXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQSM	SIXL
Industrials	19.4%	5.6%
Technology	18.3%	2.9%
Healthcare	15.1%	15.6%
Financial Services	12.1%	15.6%
Real Estate	9.7%	14.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	5.4%
Basic Materials	5.2%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	17.0%
Communication Services	3.4%	2.5%
Energy	1.9%	1.9%
Utilities	0.7%	17.0%

Return for Risk

IQSM vs. SIXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSM

IQSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
IQSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IQSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
IQSM Omega Ratio Rank: 50
IQSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
IQSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 43
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

IQSM vs. SIXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) and ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL). 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.

	IQSM	SIXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.24	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	1.87	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	1.97	+0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.22	5.23	+3.99

IQSM vs. SIXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the SIXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQSM and SIXL, 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

IQSM vs. SIXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSM drawdown since its inception was -23.66%, which is greater than SIXL's maximum drawdown of -16.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSM and SIXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSM	SIXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.66%	-16.08%	-7.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-6.52%	-2.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.66%	-11.65%	-12.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	0.00%	-0.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.74%	-4.52%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.45%	-0.02%

Volatility

IQSM vs. SIXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) is 3.42%, while ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that IQSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SIXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQSM	SIXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	4.45%	-1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.44%	7.63%	+3.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.10%	10.31%	+4.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.78%	12.28%	+5.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.78%	12.60%	+5.18%

IQSM vs. SIXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SIXL's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQSM vs. SIXL - Dividend Comparison

IQSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, less than SIXL's 2.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.05%	1.18%	1.22%	1.11%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.17%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSM and SIXL in my portfolio?

IQSM and SIXL 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, IQSM or SIXL?

SIXL has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to IQSM (3.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSM dropped -23.66% vs SIXL's -16.08%.

Which ETF is better, IQSM or SIXL?

On 3-year performance, IQSM leads with 11.95% vs 10.04% for SIXL. On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IQSM has been the lower-risk option at 3.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSM or SIXL?

Over the 3-year period, IQSM has performed better with a 11.95% return vs 10.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSM or SIXL?

IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SIXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQSM or SIXL?

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.17%, compared with 1.05% for IQSM.

What is the main difference between IQSM and SIXL?

They also come from different issuers: IndexIQ and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IQSM and 0.47% for SIXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 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.