SIXL vs VYM
6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIXL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $198M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 241 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.48% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.70% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.58% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | 6 Meridian ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 11, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SIXL vs VYM Performance
6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) is a ETF from 6 Meridian ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIXL returned +11.70% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SIXL is up 9.48% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SIXL compounded at +8.92% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.58% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SIXL has the edge at +8.65% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -16.1% for SIXL and -58.8% for VYM. 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
SIXL charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIXL currently yields 2.21% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SIXL and VYM share 111 holdings out of 686 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIXL or VYM?
SIXL has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIXL or VYM?
Over the past year SIXL returned +11.70% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SIXL annualized +8.65% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIXL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.4% for SIXL. Worst drawdown: SIXL -16.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SIXL and VYM?
SIXL and VYM 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 SIXL and VYM?
SIXL and VYM share 111 common holdings with a 14.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 686 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIXL or VYM?
SIXL yields 2.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.