STXK ETF: What Is It? Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs
The Strive Small-Cap ETF (STXK) offers broad diversification across US small-cap stocks. The management fee and the volatility typical of small caps are the key selection criteria. Differences in growth potential and outlook versus large caps, along with comparisons to related funds, are the main points to watch, and alternatives such as IWM and IJR are worth reviewing alongside it.
SubscribeWhat Is the Strive Small-Cap ETF?
This ETF diversifies across a group of US small-cap stocks. It holds a broad range of companies with small market capitalizations and aims to track the overall performance of the small-cap category.
It suits investors who want to widen diversification by adding small-cap exposure to a portfolio centered on large caps.
It is a passive (index-tracking) ETF managed by Strive.
How Does the Strive Small-Cap ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked index | US small-cap index |
| Management style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing frequency | Regular rebalancing |
| Distribution frequency | Regular distributions |
| Issuer | Strive |
| Expense ratio | 0.18% |
The fund holds US small caps broadly and tracks the performance of the small-cap category as a whole. Diversification softens the impact of sharp swings in individual stocks, and rebalancing regularly refreshes the makeup of the holdings.
- Diversified exposure across US small caps
- Growth and volatility characteristics distinct from large caps
Strive Small-Cap ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $78.5M, and the expense ratio is 0.18% per year.
Liquidity and fee levels differ across small-cap ETFs, so a side-by-side comparison is worthwhile.
Strive Small-Cap ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeSmall caps tend to react sensitively to the economic cycle and the interest rate environment, and they sometimes move in a different direction from large caps. Short-term volatility is influenced by market sentiment and earnings season.
In the small-cap category, inflows tend to increase when risk appetite rises, while outflows tend to appear when investors turn risk-averse. Fund flows can be quite volatile depending on market conditions.
Strive Small-Cap ETF Strengths and Weaknesses
Diversified small-cap exposure is its strength, while higher volatility than large caps and liquidity concerns can work against it.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products to the Strive Small-Cap ETF
Other options for US small-cap exposure include IWM, which tracks the Russell 2000 Index, IJR, which tracks the S&P SmallCap 600, and VB, a broad small-cap core fund. Each differs in tracked index, issuer and fee level, so they are worth reviewing together when comparing ways to gain small-cap exposure. They also differ in holdings methodology from the fundamentals-based products shown in the table.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FNDX | Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company ETF | $32.57 | -0.4% | $28.4B | 0.25% | 1.45% | +22.8% |
 PRF | Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF | $55.92 | -0.4% | $10.1B | 0.34% | 1.33% | +22.6% |
 FNDA | Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF | $36.26 | -0.3% | $9.0B | 0.25% | 1.22% | +18.1% |
 RECS | Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF | $44.77 | -0.1% | $6.1B | 0.15% | 0.72% | +9.6% |
 JHMM | John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF | $73.96 | +0.1% | $6.1B | 0.41% | 0.89% | +14.9% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFE | Pfizer Inc | - | $30.00 | -2.2% | $171.0B | 43.1 | 5.74% |
| NVO | Novo Nordisk ADR | - | $40.19 | -0.6% | $134.5B | 9.8 | 4.34% |
| BIIB | Biogen Inc | - | $248.93 | -0.0% | $36.8B | 106.6 | - |
| GILD | Gilead Sciences Inc | - | $167.47 | -1.7% | $207.7B | - | 1.97% |
 FORM | FormFactor Inc | 0.01% | $96.79 | +10.9% | $7.6B | 44.3 | - |
 DOCN | DigitalOcean Holdings Inc | 0.01% | $90.50 | +0.8% | $10.6B | 292.2 | - |
Strive Small-Cap ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to check before investing in STXK. Small-cap ETFs carry a different risk and return profile from large caps, so it is important to review volatility, costs and liquidity characteristics carefully in advance. Investors using Korean won should also consider the effect of exchange rates.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense ratio | Cumulative costs over a long holding period | Needs review |
| 📊 Volatility | Price swings relative to large caps | On the high side |
| 💧 Liquidity | Trading volume and bid-ask spread | Needs review |
| 💱 Exchange rate | Effect on returns converted to won | Not hedged |
The high volatility and liquidity concerns typical of small caps are the main sources of short-term risk. Drawdowns can be deeper than for large caps during economic slowdowns, so position sizing needs attention.
It is a suitable choice for investors who want diversified exposure to US small caps. To compare approaches to small-cap exposure, it is advisable to review fees and tracked indexes alongside alternatives such as IWM, IJR and VB.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of July 2, 2026.
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