SIXS vs. SLX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SIXS (6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SIXS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Exchange Traded Concepts, while SLX is a Materials fund tracking the NYSE Arca Steel Index. SIXS is actively managed, while SLX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SIXS returned 4.64%/yr vs 15.96%/yr for SLX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SIXS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

SIXS vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIXS achieves a 10.35% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 23.47% return.

SIXS

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.21%
• 1Y: 22.16%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 4.64%
• 10Y*: —

SLX

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 23.47%
• 6M: 23.68%
• 1Y: 67.37%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: 15.96%
• 10Y*: 19.18%

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

SIXS vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	10.35%	4.59%	5.85%	14.92%	-18.52%	40.74%	44.24%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	23.47%	47.45%	-17.94%	31.25%	14.28%	27.69%	86.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXS and SLX is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.63

The correlation between SIXS and SLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.45 (1 year) to 0.63 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SIXS vs. SLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIXS	SLX
Consumer Cyclical	17.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	13.0%	-
Financial Services	12.9%	-
Real Estate	11.7%	-
Healthcare	10.2%	-
Utilities	10.1%	-
Industrials	8.7%	3.3%
Technology	7.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.7%	93.2%
Communication Services	2.3%	-
Energy	1.3%	3.5%

Return for Risk

SIXS vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXS

SIXS Risk / Return Rank: 53
SIXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SIXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SIXS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SIXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SIXS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 81
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SLX 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. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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	SLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.71	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	3.45	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.44	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	4.14	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.32	14.09	-4.76

SIXS vs. SLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXS Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is lower than the SLX Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXS and SLX, 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. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXS drawdown since its inception was -27.68%, smaller than the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXS and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXS	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.68%	-82.14%	+54.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.16%	-16.35%	+9.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.95%	-27.39%	+7.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.68%	-33.62%	+5.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-61.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-7.74%	+6.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.88%	-38.64%	+29.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	4.80%	-2.42%

Volatility

SIXS vs. SLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) is 3.53%, while VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) has a volatility of 9.00%. This indicates that SIXS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXS	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	9.00%	-5.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	19.04%	-10.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.53%	25.05%	-11.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.59%	27.81%	-10.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.61%	31.00%	-11.39%

SIXS vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXS vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

SIXS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than SLX's 1.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIXS 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF	1.73%	1.62%	1.09%	1.60%	1.37%	0.94%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.26%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXS and SLX in my portfolio?

SIXS and SLX have a correlation of 0.45, 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 SLX?

SLX has higher volatility (9.00%) compared to SIXS (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXS dropped -27.68% vs SLX's -82.14%.

Which ETF is better, SIXS or SLX?

On 5-year performance, SLX leads with 15.96% vs 4.64% for SIXS. On fees, SLX is cheaper at 0.56% 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 SLX?

Over the 5-year period, SLX has performed better with a 15.96% return vs 4.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXS or SLX?

SLX is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SIXS.

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

SIXS has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.26% for SLX.

What is the main difference between SIXS and SLX?

SIXS is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SLX is Materials. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SIXS and 0.56% for SLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 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.