SIXS vs. MSSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SIXS (6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF) and MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SIXS returned 16.34% vs 35.45% for MSSM. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIXS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for MSSM.

Performance

SIXS vs. MSSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXS achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly lower than MSSM's 17.34% return.

SIXS

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -2.88%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 16.34%
• 3Y*: 10.42%
• 5Y*: 3.28%
• 10Y*: —

MSSM

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXS vs. MSSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	5.36%	4.59%	-4.18%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	17.34%	11.33%	-5.83%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXS and MSSM is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.73

The correlation between SIXS and MSSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SIXS vs. MSSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXS

SIXS Risk / Return Rank: 38
SIXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SIXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SIXS Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SIXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SIXS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. MSSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). 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.

	SIXS	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.07	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.90	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.35	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	3.75	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.90	14.47	-7.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SIXS vs. MSSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXS Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the MSSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXS and MSSM, 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

	SIXS	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24	2.07	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.73	-0.01

Drawdowns

SIXS vs. MSSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXS drawdown since its inception was -27.68%, which is greater than MSSM's maximum drawdown of -24.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXS and MSSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXS	MSSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.68%	-24.18%	-3.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.16%	-9.50%	+2.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.95%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.19%	-0.79%	-3.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.95%	-4.67%	-4.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	2.46%	-0.09%

Volatility

SIXS vs. MSSM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) is 3.53%, while Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) has a volatility of 5.05%. This indicates that SIXS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXS	MSSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	5.05%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.91%	12.76%	-3.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	17.27%	-3.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	20.91%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.66%	20.91%	-1.25%

SIXS vs. MSSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than MSSM's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXS vs. MSSM - Dividend Comparison

SIXS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.81%, less than MSSM's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.69%	3.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	1.81%	1.62%	1.09%	1.60%	1.37%	0.94%	0.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXS and MSSM in my portfolio?

SIXS and MSSM have a correlation of 0.69, 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 MSSM?

MSSM has higher volatility (5.05%) compared to SIXS (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXS dropped -27.68% vs MSSM's -24.18%.

Which ETF is better, SIXS or MSSM?

On 1-year performance, MSSM leads with 35.45% vs 16.34% for SIXS. On fees, MSSM is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, SIXS has been the lower-risk option at 3.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXS or MSSM?

Over the 1-year period, MSSM has performed better with a 35.45% return vs 16.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXS or MSSM?

MSSM is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SIXS.

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

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 1.81% for SIXS.

What is the main difference between SIXS and MSSM?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SIXS and 0.62% for MSSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.24), 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.