SIXL vs. SIZE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) and SIZE (iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXL is actively managed, while SIZE is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXL returned 3.45%/yr vs 8.07%/yr for SIZE. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIXL charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SIZE.

Performance

SIXL vs. SIZE - 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 iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXL achieves a 3.41% return, which is significantly lower than SIZE's 9.07% return.

SIXL

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: 3.41%
• 6M: 2.41%
• 1Y: 3.64%
• 3Y*: 7.60%
• 5Y*: 3.45%
• 10Y*: —

SIZE

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 3.62%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 6M: 8.29%
• 1Y: 18.11%
• 3Y*: 15.94%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 11.76%

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

SIXL vs. SIZE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	3.41%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	-7.49%	20.00%	18.42%
SIZE iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF	9.07%	10.51%	14.37%	17.78%	-15.86%	25.05%	37.29%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXL and SIZE is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2020	0.79

The correlation between SIXL and SIZE shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SIXL vs. SIZE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXL	SIZE
Utilities	17.3%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	17.0%	5.7%
Financial Services	15.2%	13.5%
Healthcare	14.5%	9.6%
Real Estate	13.6%	5.7%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	9.8%
Industrials	6.4%	16.1%
Communication Services	2.6%	4.1%
Technology	2.4%	19.9%
Basic Materials	2.2%	4.8%
Energy	2.1%	5.2%

Return for Risk

SIXL vs. SIZE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 15
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

SIZE

SIZE Risk / Return Rank: 44
SIZE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SIZE Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SIZE Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SIZE Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SIZE Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. SIZE - 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 iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE). 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.

	SIXL	SIZE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.38	1.43	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.60	2.12	-1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.25	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.56	2.28	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.58	8.88	-7.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SIXL vs. SIZE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXL Sharpe Ratio is 0.38, which is lower than the SIZE Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXL and SIZE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SIXL	SIZE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38	1.43	-1.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.47	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.68	-0.06

Drawdowns

SIXL vs. SIZE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXL drawdown since its inception was -16.08%, smaller than the maximum SIZE drawdown of -39.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXL and SIZE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXL	SIZE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.08%	-39.15%	+23.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.52%	-7.97%	+1.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.65%	-18.71%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.08%	-24.03%	+7.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.15%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.04%	-0.68%	-5.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.57%	-4.18%	-0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.31%	2.04%	+0.27%

Volatility

SIXL vs. SIZE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) is 2.36%, while iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE) has a volatility of 3.17%. This indicates that SIXL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SIZE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXL	SIZE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.36%	3.17%	-0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.61%	9.54%	-2.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.50%	12.73%	-3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.14%	17.39%	-5.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.55%	18.69%	-6.14%

SIXL vs. SIZE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXL has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SIZE's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXL vs. SIZE - Dividend Comparison

SIXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.31%, more than SIZE's 1.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.31%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIZE iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF	1.42%	1.50%	1.53%	1.42%	1.59%	1.19%	1.43%	1.35%	2.43%	1.58%	1.88%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXL and SIZE in my portfolio?

SIXL and SIZE have a correlation of 0.62, 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 SIZE?

SIZE has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to SIXL (2.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXL dropped -16.08% vs SIZE's -39.15%.

Which ETF is better, SIXL or SIZE?

On 5-year performance, SIZE leads with 8.07% vs 3.45% for SIXL. On fees, SIZE is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SIXL has been the lower-risk option at 2.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXL or SIZE?

Over the 5-year period, SIZE has performed better with a 8.07% return vs 3.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXL or SIZE?

SIZE is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SIXL.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.42% for SIZE.

What is the main difference between SIXL and SIZE?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for SIXL and 0.15% for SIZE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIZE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.38), 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.