SAEF vs. ESIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and ESIX (SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAEF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Charles Schwab, while ESIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index. SAEF is actively managed, while ESIX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for ESIX.

Performance

SAEF vs. ESIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

SAEF

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 5.87%
• YTD: 13.47%
• 6M: 11.57%
• 1Y: 22.50%
• 3Y*: 14.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESIX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SAEF vs. ESIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	13.47%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-17.79%
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	10.83%	1.83%	9.66%	17.51%	-13.44%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and ESIX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2022	0.91

The correlation between SAEF and ESIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAEF vs. ESIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. ESIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

ESIX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

SAEF vs. ESIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	SAEF	ESIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.77	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	ESIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.26%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	ESIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.06%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.32%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.84%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.37%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.37%	—	—

SAEF vs. ESIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SAEF vs. ESIX - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than ESIX's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	1.05%	1.64%	1.65%	1.69%	1.54%	0.00%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.44%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and ESIX in my portfolio?

SAEF and ESIX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or ESIX?

On fees, ESIX is cheaper at 0.12% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or ESIX?

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

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

ESIX has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.44% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and ESIX?

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