SIXA vs. RAFE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SIXA (6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF) and RAFE (PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXA is actively managed, while RAFE is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXA returned 12.50%/yr vs 11.38%/yr for RAFE. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXA charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for RAFE.

Performance

SIXA vs. RAFE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXA achieves a 13.49% return, which is significantly lower than RAFE's 15.05% return.

SIXA

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: -0.26%
• 6M: 11.49%
• YTD: 13.49%
• 1Y: 17.81%
• 3Y*: 19.96%
• 5Y*: 12.50%
• 10Y*: —

RAFE

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.02%
• 6M: 13.19%
• YTD: 15.05%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXA vs. RAFE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	13.49%	15.52%	22.70%	11.98%	-5.72%	23.87%	19.04%
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	15.05%	17.60%	13.81%	18.80%	-13.76%	30.16%	31.29%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXA and RAFE is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.88

The correlation between SIXA and RAFE shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.89 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SIXA vs. RAFE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXA

SIXA Risk / Return Rank: 80
SIXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SIXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SIXA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SIXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SIXA Martin Ratio Rank: 80

RAFE

RAFE Risk / Return Rank: 88
RAFE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
RAFE Omega Ratio Rank: 88
RAFE Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RAFE Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SIXA vs. RAFE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE). 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.

	SIXA	RAFE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.42	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	3.39	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.43	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	3.68	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.13	14.34	-2.21

SIXA vs. RAFE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXA Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the RAFE Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXA and RAFE, 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

SIXA vs. RAFE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXA drawdown since its inception was -18.38%, smaller than the maximum RAFE drawdown of -35.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXA and RAFE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXA	RAFE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-35.74%	+17.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.59%	-7.46%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.22%	-16.36%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.38%	-24.28%	+5.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-0.62%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.95%	-6.12%	+3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.47%	1.91%	-0.44%

Volatility

SIXA vs. RAFE - Volatility Comparison

6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA) and PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF (RAFE) have volatilities of 2.35% and 2.40%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXA	RAFE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.35%	2.40%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.94%	8.61%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.89%	11.34%	-2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.78%	15.07%	-2.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.28%	19.32%	-6.04%

SIXA vs. RAFE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXA has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than RAFE's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXA vs. RAFE - Dividend Comparison

SIXA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, more than RAFE's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
RAFE PIMCO RAFI ESG U.S. ETF	1.50%	1.67%	1.79%	1.81%	2.22%	1.42%	2.36%
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	2.02%	2.31%	1.62%	2.12%	2.23%	1.63%	1.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXA and RAFE in my portfolio?

SIXA and RAFE have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXA or RAFE?

RAFE has higher volatility (2.40%) compared to SIXA (2.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXA dropped -18.38% vs RAFE's -35.74%.

Which ETF is better, SIXA or RAFE?

On 5-year performance, SIXA leads with 12.50% vs 11.38% for RAFE. On fees, RAFE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXA or RAFE?

Over the 5-year period, SIXA has performed better with a 12.50% return vs 11.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXA or RAFE?

RAFE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for SIXA.

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

SIXA has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 1.50% for RAFE.

What is the main difference between SIXA and RAFE?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for SIXA and 0.30% for RAFE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RAFE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.01), 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.