SCHD vs SIXL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SIXL offers more diversification with 239 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SIXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $198M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.21% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 241 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +10.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +12.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +9.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +4.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | 6 Meridian ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | May 11, 2020 |
SCHD vs SIXL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) is a ETF from 6 Meridian ETF. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SIXL returned +12.98%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 10.62% for SIXL.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +9.16% for SIXL; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +4.79% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.4% for SIXL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.4% for SCHD and -16.1% for SIXL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SIXL charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $46 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.21% for SIXL.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SIXL share 19 holdings out of 320 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SIXL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SIXL charges 0.46%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SIXL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +12.98% for SIXL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +8.84% for SIXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SIXL?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.4% for SIXL. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SIXL -16.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SIXL?
SCHD and SIXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SIXL?
SCHD and SIXL share 19 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 320 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SIXL?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SIXL yields 2.21%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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