SMIZ vs. SIXL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SMIZ (Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF) and SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMIZ returned 31.27% vs 8.37% for SIXL. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMIZ charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SIXL.

Performance

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) and ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMIZ achieves a 18.30% return, which is significantly higher than SIXL's 8.20% return.

SMIZ

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.99%
• YTD: 18.30%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 31.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SIXL

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 8.20%
• 6M: 5.55%
• 1Y: 8.37%
• 3Y*: 9.69%
• 5Y*: 4.15%
• 10Y*: —

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

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	18.30%	12.16%	17.92%	16.16%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	8.20%	-0.61%	14.13%	9.14%

Correlation

The correlation between SMIZ and SIXL is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2023	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between SMIZ and SIXL has dropped to 0.38 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMIZ	SIXL
Technology	26.9%	2.6%
Industrials	21.0%	6.4%
Financial Services	19.7%	15.1%
Healthcare	5.9%	14.9%
Real Estate	5.0%	13.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	16.8%
Basic Materials	3.6%	2.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	2.6%
Energy	2.8%	2.0%
Utilities	2.8%	17.1%

Return for Risk

SMIZ vs. SIXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMIZ

SMIZ Risk / Return Rank: 65
SMIZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
SMIZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SMIZ Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SMIZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
SMIZ Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 26
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 23
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) and ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL). 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.

	SMIZ	SIXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	0.84	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	1.24	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.15	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	1.29	+1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	3.44	+8.40

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMIZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is higher than the SIXL Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMIZ and SIXL, 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

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMIZ drawdown since its inception was -25.04%, which is greater than SIXL's maximum drawdown of -16.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMIZ and SIXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMIZ	SIXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.04%	-16.08%	-8.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.51%	-6.52%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.65%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-1.69%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.91%	-4.55%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	2.44%	+0.21%

Volatility

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Volatility Comparison

Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) has a higher volatility of 5.87% compared to ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) at 3.89%. This indicates that SMIZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SIXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMIZ	SIXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	3.89%	+1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.46%	7.25%	+6.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.35%	9.96%	+7.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	12.20%	+6.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	12.57%	+6.39%

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMIZ has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than SIXL's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMIZ vs. SIXL - Dividend Comparison

SMIZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, less than SIXL's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.20%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%
SMIZ Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF	0.52%	0.62%	1.57%	0.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMIZ and SIXL in my portfolio?

SMIZ and SIXL have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMIZ or SIXL?

SMIZ has higher volatility (5.87%) compared to SIXL (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMIZ dropped -25.04% vs SIXL's -16.08%.

Which ETF is better, SMIZ or SIXL?

On 1-year performance, SMIZ leads with 31.27% vs 8.37% for SIXL. On fees, SIXL is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, SIXL has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMIZ or SIXL?

Over the 1-year period, SMIZ has performed better with a 31.27% return vs 8.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMIZ or SIXL?

SIXL is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for SMIZ.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 0.52% for SMIZ.

What is the main difference between SMIZ and SIXL?

They also come from different issuers: Zacks and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for SMIZ and 0.47% for SIXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMIZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 0.84), 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.