SIXS vs SPY
ETC 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SIXS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIXS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $141M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.00% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.32% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.52% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | 6 Meridian ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 11, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SIXS vs SPY Performance
ETC 6 Meridian Small Cap Equity ETF (SIXS) is a ETF from 6 Meridian ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SIXS returned +24.32% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SIXS is up 17.00% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SIXS compounded at +11.76% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.52% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SIXS has the edge at +15.20% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 -27.7% for SIXS and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIXS charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIXS currently yields 1.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SIXS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 586 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIXS or SPY?
SIXS has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIXS or SPY?
Over the past year SIXS returned +24.32% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SIXS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SIXS annualized +15.20% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIXS or SPY?
SIXS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SIXS -27.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SIXS and SPY?
SIXS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIXS and SPY?
SIXS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIXS or SPY?
SIXS yields 1.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SIXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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