SIXS vs. FDM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SIXS (6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF) and FDM (First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXS is actively managed, while FDM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXS returned 7.01%/yr vs 11.53%/yr for FDM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FDM.

Performance

SIXS vs. FDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXS achieves a 19.15% return, which is significantly higher than FDM's 17.07% return.

SIXS

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: 7.38%
• 6M: 14.40%
• YTD: 19.15%
• 1Y: 27.95%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: —

FDM

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: 4.43%
• 6M: 11.24%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 1Y: 30.42%
• 3Y*: 18.81%
• 5Y*: 11.53%
• 10Y*: 11.83%

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

SIXS vs. FDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	19.15%	4.59%	5.85%	14.92%	-18.52%	40.74%	44.24%
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	17.07%	18.64%	13.00%	12.76%	-11.61%	35.08%	35.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXS and FDM is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.89

The correlation between SIXS and FDM shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SIXS vs. FDM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXS	FDM
Financial Services	24.2%	42.2%
Healthcare	16.9%	6.2%
Consumer Defensive	11.0%	4.5%
Utilities	10.5%	1.0%
Industrials	8.7%	14.9%
Real Estate	8.4%	1.4%
Technology	6.3%	6.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	10.4%
Communication Services	5.3%	3.3%
Energy	2.1%	4.6%
Basic Materials	1.1%	4.5%

Return for Risk

SIXS vs. FDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXS

SIXS Risk / Return Rank: 81
SIXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SIXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SIXS Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SIXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SIXS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

FDM

FDM Risk / Return Rank: 67
FDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
FDM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FDM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SIXS vs. FDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM). 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.

	SIXS	FDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.65	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	2.43	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.29	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.92	3.29	+0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	10.24	+1.54

SIXS vs. FDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXS Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the FDM Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXS and FDM, 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

SIXS vs. FDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXS drawdown since its inception was -27.68%, smaller than the maximum FDM drawdown of -63.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXS and FDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXS	FDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.68%	-63.45%	+35.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.16%	-9.30%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.95%	-23.47%	+3.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.68%	-23.74%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.29%	+1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.78%	-11.29%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	2.98%	-0.60%

Volatility

SIXS vs. FDM - Volatility Comparison

6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund (FDM) have volatilities of 4.02% and 3.93%, 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

	SIXS	FDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	3.93%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.48%	13.29%	-3.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.70%	18.52%	-4.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.55%	21.34%	-3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.57%	23.32%	-3.75%

SIXS vs. FDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than FDM's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXS vs. FDM - Dividend Comparison

SIXS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, more than FDM's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDM First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index Fund	1.35%	1.43%	1.56%	1.81%	1.80%	1.08%	1.68%	1.37%	1.26%	0.97%	1.13%	1.45%
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	1.67%	1.62%	1.09%	1.60%	1.37%	0.94%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXS and FDM in my portfolio?

SIXS and FDM have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXS or FDM?

SIXS has higher volatility (4.02%) compared to FDM (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXS dropped -27.68% vs FDM's -63.45%.

Which ETF is better, SIXS or FDM?

On 5-year performance, FDM leads with 11.53% vs 7.01% for SIXS. On fees, FDM is cheaper at 0.60% 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, SIXS or FDM?

Over the 5-year period, FDM has performed better with a 11.53% return vs 7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXS or FDM?

FDM is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SIXS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SIXS or FDM?

SIXS has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 1.35% for FDM.

What is the main difference between SIXS and FDM?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SIXS and 0.60% for FDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIXS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.65), 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.