VXF vs. SIXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and SIXL (ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. VXF is passively managed, while SIXL is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VXF returned 6.53%/yr vs 3.45%/yr for SIXL. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SIXL.

Performance

VXF vs. SIXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) 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, VXF achieves a 13.78% return, which is significantly higher than SIXL's 3.41% return.

VXF

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: 4.75%
• YTD: 13.78%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 28.88%
• 3Y*: 19.75%
• 5Y*: 6.53%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

SIXL

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: 3.41%
• 6M: 2.41%
• 1Y: 3.64%
• 3Y*: 7.60%
• 5Y*: 3.45%
• 10Y*: —

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

VXF vs. SIXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	13.78%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	54.49%
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	3.41%	-0.61%	14.13%	2.38%	-7.49%	20.00%	18.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and SIXL is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2020	0.70

Over the past year, the correlation between VXF and SIXL has dropped to 0.43 - well below their long-term average of 0.70, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VXF vs. SIXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXF	SIXL
Technology	19.8%	2.4%
Industrials	19.3%	6.4%
Financial Services	14.6%	15.2%
Healthcare	13.3%	14.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	6.8%
Real Estate	6.0%	13.6%
Energy	5.1%	2.1%
Basic Materials	4.2%	2.2%
Communication Services	3.3%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	17.0%
Utilities	2.0%	17.3%

Return for Risk

VXF vs. SIXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 57

SIXL

SIXL Risk / Return Rank: 15
SIXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SIXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
SIXL Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SIXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SIXL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

VXF vs. SIXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) 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.

	VXF	SIXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	0.38	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	0.60	+1.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.07	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	0.56	+2.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	1.58	+8.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VXF vs. SIXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the SIXL Sharpe Ratio of 0.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VXF	SIXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	0.38	+1.31
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.29	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.63	-0.17

Drawdowns

VXF vs. SIXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, which is greater than SIXL's maximum drawdown of -16.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and SIXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	SIXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-16.08%	-41.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-6.52%	-3.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-11.65%	-15.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-16.08%	-20.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-6.04%	+5.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.55%	-4.57%	-4.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	2.31%	+0.56%

Volatility

VXF vs. SIXL - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) has a higher volatility of 4.87% compared to ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) at 2.36%. This indicates that VXF'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

	VXF	SIXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	2.36%	+2.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.44%	6.61%	+5.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.22%	9.50%	+7.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	12.14%	+10.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.29%	12.55%	+9.74%

VXF vs. SIXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than SIXL's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXF vs. SIXL - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than SIXL's 2.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIXL ETC 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF	2.31%	2.31%	1.28%	1.48%	1.45%	0.67%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and SIXL in my portfolio?

VXF and SIXL have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXF or SIXL?

VXF has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to SIXL (2.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs SIXL's -16.08%.

Which ETF is better, VXF or SIXL?

On 5-year performance, VXF leads with 6.53% vs 3.45% for SIXL. On fees, VXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, SIXL has been the lower-risk option at 2.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXF or SIXL?

Over the 5-year period, VXF has performed better with a 6.53% return vs 3.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXF or SIXL?

VXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SIXL.

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

SIXL has the higher dividend yield at 2.31%, compared with 1.02% for VXF.

What is the main difference between VXF and SIXL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXF and 0.47% for SIXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 0.38), 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.