SCHD vs SIXS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ETC 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SIXS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $141M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.72% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 84 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +17.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +24.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +11.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +5.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -27.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | 6 Meridian ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | May 11, 2020 |
SCHD vs SIXS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ETC 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) is a ETF from 6 Meridian ETF. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SIXS returned +24.32%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 17.00% for SIXS.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +11.76% for SIXS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +5.52% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SIXS has the edge at +15.20% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -27.7% for SIXS. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SIXS charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $50 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.72% for SIXS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SIXS share 5 holdings out of 178 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SIXS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SIXS charges 0.50%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SIXS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +24.32% for SIXS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +15.20% for SIXS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SIXS?
SIXS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SIXS -27.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SIXS?
SCHD and SIXS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SIXS?
SCHD and SIXS share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SIXS?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SIXS yields 1.72%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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