SIXL vs. SAEF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SIXL returned 9.35%/yr vs 13.65%/yr for SAEF. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIXL charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

SIXL vs. SAEF - 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 Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXL achieves a 7.20% return, which is significantly lower than SAEF's 12.39% return.

SIXL

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 7.20%
• 6M: 5.06%
• 1Y: 7.44%
• 3Y*: 9.35%
• 5Y*: 4.12%
• 10Y*: —

SAEF

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 4.87%
• YTD: 12.39%
• 6M: 10.95%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXL vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	7.20%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	-7.49%	2.51%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	12.39%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXL and SAEF is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between SIXL and SAEF has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SIXL vs. SAEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXL	SAEF
Utilities	17.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	16.8%	3.3%
Financial Services	15.1%	15.0%
Healthcare	14.9%	10.0%
Real Estate	13.9%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	22.6%
Industrials	6.4%	20.3%
Technology	2.6%	14.7%
Communication Services	2.6%	7.5%
Basic Materials	2.2%	2.3%
Energy	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

SIXL vs. SAEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 23
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 20
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 25

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 36
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. SAEF - 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 Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	1.21	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	1.82	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.21	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	1.77	-0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.05	4.80	-1.75

SIXL vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXL Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXL and SAEF, 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. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXL drawdown since its inception was -16.08%, smaller than the maximum SAEF drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXL and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXL	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.08%	-28.05%	+11.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.52%	-12.81%	+6.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.65%	-27.40%	+15.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.60%	-1.03%	-1.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-10.27%	+5.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	4.72%	-2.28%

Volatility

SIXL vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) is 3.79%, while Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a volatility of 5.09%. This indicates that SIXL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXL	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	5.09%	-1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.21%	14.29%	-7.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	18.94%	-8.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.20%	21.37%	-9.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.57%	21.37%	-8.80%

SIXL vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXL has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXL vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

SIXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than SAEF's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.33%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.22%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXL and SAEF in my portfolio?

SIXL and SAEF have a correlation of 0.48, 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 SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to SIXL (3.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXL dropped -16.08% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, SIXL or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, SAEF leads with 13.65% vs 9.35% for SIXL. On fees, SIXL is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, SIXL has been the lower-risk option at 3.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXL or SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, SAEF has performed better with a 13.65% return vs 9.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXL or SAEF?

SIXL is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SAEF.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.33% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SIXL and SAEF?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for SIXL and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SAEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.75), 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.