QSIX vs. CALF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QSIX (Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF) and CALF (Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QSIX is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index, while CALF is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QSIX returned 29.55% vs 26.78% for CALF. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QSIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for CALF.

Performance

QSIX vs. CALF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSIX achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly higher than CALF's 12.56% return.

QSIX

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 12.89%
• 1Y: 29.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CALF

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 12.56%
• 6M: 11.11%
• 1Y: 26.78%
• 3Y*: 9.97%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

QSIX vs. CALF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	14.58%	18.54%	4.81%
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	12.56%	2.33%	-4.05%

Correlation

The correlation between QSIX and CALF is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2024	0.52

The correlation between QSIX and CALF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSIX vs. CALF — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSIX

QSIX Risk / Return Rank: 62
QSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
QSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
QSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
QSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

CALF

CALF Risk / Return Rank: 64
CALF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
CALF Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
CALF Omega Ratio Rank: 52
CALF Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
CALF Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

QSIX vs. CALF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF). 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.

	QSIX	CALF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.68	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.45	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	4.37	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	11.91	-1.80

QSIX vs. CALF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the CALF Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSIX and CALF, 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

QSIX vs. CALF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSIX drawdown since its inception was -20.72%, smaller than the maximum CALF drawdown of -47.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSIX and CALF.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSIX	CALF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.72%	-47.58%	+26.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-6.15%	-4.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-34.22%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.54%	-2.63%	-1.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.06%	-10.69%	+7.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.26%	+0.67%

Volatility

QSIX vs. CALF - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) has a higher volatility of 8.16% compared to Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) at 5.24%. This indicates that QSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CALF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSIX	CALF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.16%	5.24%	+2.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.26%	10.98%	+2.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	16.08%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.75%	23.39%	-3.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	25.97%	-6.22%

QSIX vs. CALF - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than CALF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSIX vs. CALF - Dividend Comparison

QSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than CALF's 1.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.22%	1.43%	1.07%	1.18%	0.85%	2.63%	0.82%	0.99%	1.39%	0.70%
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	3.99%	4.02%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSIX and CALF in my portfolio?

QSIX and CALF have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSIX or CALF?

QSIX has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to CALF (5.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSIX dropped -20.72% vs CALF's -47.58%.

Which ETF is better, QSIX or CALF?

On 1-year performance, QSIX leads with 29.55% vs 26.78% for CALF. On fees, CALF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, CALF has been the lower-risk option at 5.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSIX or CALF?

Over the 1-year period, QSIX has performed better with a 29.55% return vs 26.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSIX or CALF?

CALF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QSIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QSIX or CALF?

QSIX has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 1.22% for CALF.

What is the main difference between QSIX and CALF?

QSIX is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while CALF is Small Cap Blend Equities. QSIX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while CALF tracks Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QSIX and 0.59% for CALF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.68), 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.