SXQG vs. IXC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SXQG (ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF) and IXC (iShares Global Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SXQG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Meridian, while IXC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index. SXQG is actively managed, while IXC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SXQG returned 3.81%/yr vs 17.36%/yr for IXC. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SXQG charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for IXC.

Performance

SXQG vs. IXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) and iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SXQG achieves a -7.42% return, which is significantly lower than IXC's 20.55% return.

SXQG

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -4.93%
• YTD: -7.42%
• 6M: -8.57%
• 1Y: -4.01%
• 3Y*: 8.76%
• 5Y*: 3.81%
• 10Y*: —

IXC

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -7.64%
• YTD: 20.55%
• 6M: 21.59%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 17.36%
• 10Y*: 9.48%

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

SXQG vs. IXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SXQG ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF	-7.42%	4.43%	18.77%	28.32%	-23.93%	12.62%
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	20.55%	13.98%	1.95%	3.92%	48.51%	7.40%

Correlation

The correlation between SXQG and IXC is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2021	0.23

The correlation between SXQG and IXC shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (1 year) to 0.23 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SXQG vs. IXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SXQG	IXC
Technology	31.9%	-
Communication Services	16.0%	-
Healthcare	16.0%	-
Financial Services	11.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	11.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	-
Industrials	5.4%	-
Energy	0.6%	100.0%
Basic Materials	0.2%	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SXQG vs. IXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SXQG

SXQG Risk / Return Rank: 6
SXQG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
SXQG Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
SXQG Omega Ratio Rank: 6
SXQG Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SXQG Martin Ratio Rank: 6

IXC

IXC Risk / Return Rank: 54
IXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
IXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IXC Omega Ratio Rank: 51
IXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IXC Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

SXQG vs. IXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) and iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC). 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.

	SXQG	IXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.34	1.69	-2.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.40	2.23	-2.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.28	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.29	2.33	-2.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.77	8.08	-8.86

SXQG vs. IXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SXQG Sharpe Ratio is -0.34, which is lower than the IXC Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SXQG and IXC, 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

SXQG vs. IXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SXQG drawdown since its inception was -33.97%, smaller than the maximum IXC drawdown of -67.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SXQG and IXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SXQG	IXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.97%	-67.88%	+33.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.03%	-13.81%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.53%	-19.06%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.97%	-24.93%	-9.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-64.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.14%	-13.24%	+3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.07%	-17.46%	+7.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.18%	3.98%	+1.20%

Volatility

SXQG vs. IXC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF (SXQG) is 4.22%, while iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) has a volatility of 6.46%. This indicates that SXQG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SXQG	IXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	6.46%	-2.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.49%	15.91%	-6.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.76%	19.08%	-7.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	23.50%	-5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.93%	26.82%	-8.89%

SXQG vs. IXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SXQG has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than IXC's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SXQG vs. IXC - Dividend Comparison

SXQG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than IXC's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	3.15%	3.68%	4.56%	3.45%	4.76%	3.98%	4.86%	7.00%	3.51%	3.05%	2.86%	3.77%
SXQG ETC 6 Meridian Quality Growth ETF	0.07%	0.15%	0.00%	0.02%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SXQG and IXC in my portfolio?

SXQG and IXC have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SXQG or IXC?

IXC has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to SXQG (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SXQG dropped -33.97% vs IXC's -67.88%.

Which ETF is better, SXQG or IXC?

On 5-year performance, IXC leads with 17.36% vs 3.81% for SXQG. On fees, IXC is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SXQG has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SXQG or IXC?

Over the 5-year period, IXC has performed better with a 17.36% return vs 3.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SXQG or IXC?

IXC is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for SXQG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SXQG or IXC?

IXC has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 0.07% for SXQG.

What is the main difference between SXQG and IXC?

SXQG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IXC is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Meridian and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for SXQG and 0.40% for IXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs -0.34), 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.