USMV vs. SIXA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and SIXA (6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. USMV is passively managed, while SIXA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, USMV returned 7.16%/yr vs 12.64%/yr for SIXA. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USMV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for SIXA.

Performance

USMV vs. SIXA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) and 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USMV achieves a 4.64% return, which is significantly lower than SIXA's 14.32% return.

USMV

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 2.16%
• 6M: 3.87%
• YTD: 4.64%
• 1Y: 7.10%
• 3Y*: 11.43%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

SIXA

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 12.53%
• YTD: 14.32%
• 1Y: 19.31%
• 3Y*: 20.25%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

USMV vs. SIXA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	4.64%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	20.85%	15.98%
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	14.32%	15.52%	22.70%	11.98%	-5.72%	23.87%	19.04%

Correlation

The correlation between USMV and SIXA is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2020	0.83

The correlation between USMV and SIXA shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

USMV vs. SIXA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USMV	SIXA
Technology	33.9%	19.2%
Healthcare	12.6%	14.5%
Financial Services	11.7%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	23.2%
Utilities	6.9%	5.0%
Communication Services	6.2%	13.9%
Industrials	6.1%	6.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	3.9%
Energy	2.7%	4.8%
Real Estate	2.5%	1.3%
Basic Materials	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

USMV vs. SIXA — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 28
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

SIXA

SIXA Risk / Return Rank: 85
SIXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SIXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
SIXA Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SIXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SIXA Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

USMV vs. SIXA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) and 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA). 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.

	USMV	SIXA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	2.19	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.23	3.28	-2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.39	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	3.47	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.61	13.15	-9.54

USMV vs. SIXA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is lower than the SIXA Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USMV and SIXA, 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

USMV vs. SIXA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMV drawdown since its inception was -33.10%, which is greater than SIXA's maximum drawdown of -18.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMV and SIXA.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMV	SIXA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.10%	-18.38%	-14.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	-5.59%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	-11.22%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	-18.38%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	0.00%	-0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-2.96%	+0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	1.47%	+0.50%

Volatility

USMV vs. SIXA - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) and 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (SIXA) have volatilities of 2.54% and 2.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USMV	SIXA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.54%	2.46%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.22%	6.89%	-0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.48%	8.87%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.36%	12.78%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.49%	13.28%	+1.21%

USMV vs. SIXA - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SIXA's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

USMV vs. SIXA - Dividend Comparison

USMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than SIXA's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIXA 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF	2.00%	2.31%	1.62%	2.12%	2.23%	1.63%	1.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.48%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMV and SIXA in my portfolio?

USMV and SIXA have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USMV or SIXA?

USMV has higher volatility (2.54%) compared to SIXA (2.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USMV dropped -33.10% vs SIXA's -18.38%.

Which ETF is better, USMV or SIXA?

On 5-year performance, SIXA leads with 12.64% vs 7.16% for USMV. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USMV or SIXA?

Over the 5-year period, SIXA has performed better with a 12.64% return vs 7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMV or SIXA?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for SIXA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USMV or SIXA?

SIXA has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 1.48% for USMV.

What is the main difference between USMV and SIXA?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USMV and 0.86% for SIXA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIXA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 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.