STXK vs. CALF

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

STXK (Strive Small-Cap ETF) and CALF (Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STXK is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while CALF is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, STXK returned 13.51%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for CALF. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. STXK charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for CALF.

Performance

STXK vs. CALF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STXK achieves a 15.02% return, which is significantly lower than CALF's 17.73% return.

STXK

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.22%
• 6M: 9.18%
• YTD: 15.02%
• 1Y: 23.54%
• 3Y*: 13.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CALF

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 3.18%
• 6M: 14.07%
• YTD: 17.73%
• 1Y: 28.04%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 5.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

STXK vs. CALF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	15.02%	7.82%	9.47%	20.15%	-3.32%
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF	17.73%	2.33%	-7.41%	35.43%	-1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between STXK and CALF is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2022	0.87

The correlation between STXK and CALF shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

STXK vs. CALF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STXK	CALF
Technology	17.2%	32.4%
Financial Services	16.0%	0.2%
Industrials	14.8%	5.4%
Healthcare	14.0%	9.7%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	28.5%
Real Estate	7.3%	1.5%
Energy	5.5%	8.9%
Basic Materials	4.1%	1.6%
Utilities	2.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	3.6%
Communication Services	2.1%	8.3%

Return for Risk

STXK vs. CALF — Risk / Return Rank

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

STXK

STXK Risk / Return Rank: 55
STXK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
STXK Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
STXK Omega Ratio Rank: 48
STXK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
STXK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

CALF

CALF Risk / Return Rank: 76
CALF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
CALF Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
CALF Omega Ratio Rank: 66
CALF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
CALF Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

STXK vs. CALF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) and Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF). 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.

	STXK	CALF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.77	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.58	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	4.58	-2.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.33	12.58	-4.25

STXK vs. CALF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STXK Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the CALF Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STXK and CALF, 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

STXK vs. CALF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STXK drawdown since its inception was -27.12%, smaller than the maximum CALF drawdown of -47.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STXK and CALF.

Drawdown Indicators

	STXK	CALF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.12%	-47.58%	+20.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.81%	-6.15%	-3.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.12%	-34.22%	+7.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.93%	0.00%	-1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.47%	-10.63%	+5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.24%	+0.59%

Volatility

STXK vs. CALF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) is 4.26%, while Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) has a volatility of 4.71%. This indicates that STXK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CALF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STXK	CALF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	4.71%	-0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.84%	11.17%	+0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.91%	15.94%	+0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.02%	23.29%	-3.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.02%	25.92%	-5.90%

STXK vs. CALF - Expense Ratio Comparison

STXK has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than CALF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

STXK vs. CALF - Dividend Comparison

STXK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, less than CALF's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF	1.17%	1.43%	1.07%	1.18%	0.85%	2.63%	0.82%	0.99%	1.39%	0.70%
STXK Strive Small-Cap ETF	1.15%	1.29%	1.64%	1.14%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STXK and CALF in my portfolio?

STXK and CALF have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STXK or CALF?

CALF has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to STXK (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STXK dropped -27.12% vs CALF's -47.58%.

Which ETF is better, STXK or CALF?

On 3-year performance, STXK leads with 13.51% vs 9.15% for CALF. On fees, STXK is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, STXK has been the lower-risk option at 4.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STXK or CALF?

Over the 3-year period, STXK has performed better with a 13.51% return vs 9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STXK or CALF?

STXK is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for CALF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STXK or CALF?

CALF has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 1.15% for STXK.

What is the main difference between STXK and CALF?

STXK is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while CALF is Small Cap Value Equities. STXK tracks Bloomberg US 600 Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while CALF tracks Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for STXK and 0.59% for CALF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CALF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.40), 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.