SIXL vs. LSAF

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) and LSAF (LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXL is actively managed, while LSAF is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXL returned 4.75%/yr vs 10.90%/yr for LSAF. Their 0.74 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. SIXL charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for LSAF.

Performance

SIXL vs. LSAF - 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 LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXL achieves a 11.76% return, which is significantly lower than LSAF's 19.96% return.

SIXL

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 0.20%
• 6M: 6.85%
• YTD: 11.76%
• 1Y: 14.10%
• 3Y*: 9.10%
• 5Y*: 4.75%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 9.03%

LSAF

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 2.49%
• 6M: 17.23%
• YTD: 19.96%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.02%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	$265.84K	$205.64K	$201.86K
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	$85.49K	$51.42K	$104.59K

SIXL vs. LSAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	11.76%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	-7.49%	20.00%	18.86%
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	19.96%	12.01%	18.09%	15.48%	-13.12%	22.75%	31.11%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXL and LSAF is 0.52, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between SIXL and LSAF has dropped to 0.52 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SIXL vs. LSAF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXL	LSAF
Utilities	17.0%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	16.4%	4.1%
Healthcare	15.7%	7.8%
Financial Services	15.7%	16.2%
Real Estate	13.3%	2.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	19.9%
Industrials	6.3%	10.7%
Communication Services	2.5%	4.7%
Technology	2.4%	15.4%
Basic Materials	2.3%	5.8%
Energy	2.0%	3.3%

Return for Risk

SIXL vs. LSAF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 55
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 49

LSAF

LSAF Risk / Return Rank: 88
LSAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LSAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
LSAF Omega Ratio Rank: 82
LSAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
LSAF Martin Ratio Rank: 91

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SIXL vs. LSAF - 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 LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF). 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	LSAF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.03	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.98	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.35	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	4.41	-2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.72	14.86	-9.14

SIXL vs. LSAF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXL Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the LSAF Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXL and LSAF, 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. LSAF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXL drawdown since its inception was -16.08%, smaller than the maximum LSAF drawdown of -41.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXL and LSAF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXL	LSAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.08%	-41.67%	+25.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.52%	-6.58%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.65%	-20.26%	+8.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.08%	-24.94%	+8.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.97%	-1.48%	-0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.49%	-6.21%	+1.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	1.95%	+0.46%

Volatility

SIXL vs. LSAF - Volatility Comparison

ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) and LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) have volatilities of 4.24% and 4.21%, 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

	SIXL	LSAF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	4.21%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.92%	10.49%	-2.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.43%	14.36%	-3.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.31%	18.38%	-6.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.60%	21.73%	-9.13%

SIXL vs. LSAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXL has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than LSAF's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXL vs. LSAF - Dividend Comparison

SIXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, more than LSAF's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
LSAF LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF	0.57%	0.69%	0.42%	0.84%	0.96%	0.37%	0.53%	0.71%	0.20%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.19%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXL and LSAF in my portfolio?

SIXL and LSAF have a correlation of 0.52, 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 LSAF?

SIXL has higher volatility (4.24%) compared to LSAF (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXL dropped -16.08% vs LSAF's -41.67%.

Which ETF is better, SIXL or LSAF?

On 5-year performance, LSAF leads with 10.90% vs 4.75% for SIXL. On fees, SIXL is cheaper at 0.47% 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, SIXL or LSAF?

Over the 5-year period, LSAF has performed better with a 10.90% return vs 4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXL or LSAF?

SIXL is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LSAF.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 0.57% for LSAF.

What is the main difference between SIXL and LSAF?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Redwood. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for SIXL and 0.75% for LSAF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LSAF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.33), 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.