SIXS vs. PSC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

SIXS (6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF) and PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SIXS is actively managed, while PSC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXS returned 5.95%/yr vs 9.23%/yr for PSC. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for PSC.

Performance

SIXS vs. PSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXS achieves a 17.27% return, which is significantly lower than PSC's 18.92% return.

SIXS

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 5.19%
• 6M: 14.47%
• YTD: 17.27%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 13.77%
• 5Y*: 5.95%
• 10Y*: —

PSC

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.93%
• 6M: 13.75%
• YTD: 18.92%
• 1Y: 29.46%
• 3Y*: 18.03%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 10Y*: —

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

SIXS vs. PSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	17.27%	4.59%	5.85%	14.92%	-18.52%	40.74%	44.24%
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	18.92%	13.41%	12.38%	18.51%	-15.91%	32.56%	45.54%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXS and PSC is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.86

Over the past year, the correlation between SIXS and PSC has dropped to 0.64 - well below their long-term average of 0.86, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SIXS vs. PSC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXS	PSC
Financial Services	24.2%	17.7%
Healthcare	16.9%	16.9%
Consumer Defensive	11.0%	2.1%
Utilities	10.5%	2.6%
Industrials	8.7%	17.5%
Real Estate	8.4%	4.6%
Technology	6.3%	19.0%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	8.0%
Communication Services	5.3%	2.3%
Energy	2.1%	5.3%
Basic Materials	1.1%	4.0%

Return for Risk

SIXS vs. PSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXS

SIXS Risk / Return Rank: 72
SIXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SIXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SIXS Omega Ratio Rank: 66
SIXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SIXS Martin Ratio Rank: 71

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 58
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. PSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC). 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	PSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.44	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.11	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.25	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	2.74	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.31	9.75	+0.56

SIXS vs. PSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXS Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the PSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXS and PSC, 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. PSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXS drawdown since its inception was -27.68%, smaller than the maximum PSC drawdown of -46.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXS and PSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXS	PSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.68%	-46.69%	+19.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.16%	-9.95%	+2.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.95%	-23.49%	+3.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.68%	-25.86%	-1.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-2.29%	+1.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.81%	-8.20%	-0.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	2.82%	-0.44%

Volatility

SIXS vs. PSC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) is 3.79%, while Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) has a volatility of 4.68%. This indicates that SIXS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXS	PSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	4.68%	-0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.39%	13.41%	-4.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	18.95%	-5.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.56%	20.99%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.58%	23.25%	-3.67%

SIXS vs. PSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than PSC's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXS vs. PSC - Dividend Comparison

SIXS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, more than PSC's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.53%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	1.70%	1.62%	1.09%	1.60%	1.37%	0.94%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXS and PSC in my portfolio?

SIXS and PSC have a correlation of 0.64, 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 PSC?

PSC has higher volatility (4.68%) compared to SIXS (3.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXS dropped -27.68% vs PSC's -46.69%.

Which ETF is better, SIXS or PSC?

On 5-year performance, PSC leads with 9.23% vs 5.95% for SIXS. On fees, PSC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, SIXS 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, SIXS or PSC?

Over the 5-year period, PSC has performed better with a 9.23% return vs 5.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXS or PSC?

PSC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SIXS.

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

SIXS has the higher dividend yield at 1.70%, compared with 0.53% for PSC.

What is the main difference between SIXS and PSC?

They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Principal. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SIXS and 0.38% for PSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIXS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.44), 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.