SIXL vs. FTDS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) and FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXL is actively managed, while FTDS is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXL returned 4.98%/yr vs 7.91%/yr for FTDS. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIXL charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTDS.

Performance

SIXL vs. FTDS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXL achieves a 11.30% return, which is significantly lower than FTDS's 12.19% return.

SIXL

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 3.11%
• 6M: 8.02%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 1Y: 11.75%
• 3Y*: 9.90%
• 5Y*: 4.98%
• 10Y*: —

FTDS

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 2.58%
• 6M: 7.78%
• YTD: 12.19%
• 1Y: 19.33%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 10.98%

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

SIXL vs. FTDS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	11.30%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	-7.49%	20.00%	18.86%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	12.19%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	46.84%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXL and FTDS is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.72

The correlation between SIXL and FTDS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

SIXL vs. FTDS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXL	FTDS
Utilities	17.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	17.0%	1.8%
Financial Services	15.6%	28.4%
Healthcare	15.6%	9.3%
Real Estate	14.0%	-
Industrials	5.6%	19.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	3.4%
Technology	2.9%	9.4%
Communication Services	2.5%	-
Basic Materials	2.3%	8.5%
Energy	1.9%	19.6%

Return for Risk

SIXL vs. FTDS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 41
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 39

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 59
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

SIXL vs. FTDS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) and First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS). 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.

	SIXL	FTDS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.50	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	2.24	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.27	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	2.95	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.82	7.49	-2.67

SIXL vs. FTDS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXL Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the FTDS Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXL and FTDS, 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

SIXL vs. FTDS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXL drawdown since its inception was -16.08%, smaller than the maximum FTDS drawdown of -56.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXL and FTDS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXL	FTDS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.08%	-56.53%	+40.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.52%	-6.57%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.65%	-18.04%	+6.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.08%	-23.35%	+7.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.52%	-9.83%	+5.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	2.59%	-0.14%

Volatility

SIXL vs. FTDS - Volatility Comparison

ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) has a higher volatility of 4.03% compared to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) at 3.44%. This indicates that SIXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTDS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXL	FTDS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	3.44%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.34%	8.18%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.25%	12.95%	-2.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.25%	17.59%	-5.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.59%	20.04%	-7.45%

SIXL vs. FTDS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXL has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than FTDS's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXL vs. FTDS - Dividend Comparison

SIXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, more than FTDS's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.57%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.18%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXL and FTDS in my portfolio?

SIXL and FTDS have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXL or FTDS?

SIXL has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to FTDS (3.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXL dropped -16.08% vs FTDS's -56.53%.

Which ETF is better, SIXL or FTDS?

On 5-year performance, FTDS leads with 7.91% vs 4.98% for SIXL. On fees, SIXL is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, FTDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXL or FTDS?

Over the 5-year period, FTDS has performed better with a 7.91% return vs 4.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXL or FTDS?

SIXL is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 1.57% for FTDS.

What is the main difference between SIXL and FTDS?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for SIXL and 0.70% for FTDS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.15), 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.