AFIX vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFIX (Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Allspring, while ASCE is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Allspring. Both are actively managed. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AFIX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

AFIX vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFIX achieves a 0.31% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

AFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCE

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 22.25%
• 6M: 21.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AFIX vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	0.31%	4.15%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between AFIX and ASCE is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.24

Return for Risk

AFIX vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AFIX

AFIX Risk / Return Rank: 40
AFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
AFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AFIX vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	AFIX	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.67	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AFIX	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	1.92	-1.02

Drawdowns

AFIX vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFIX drawdown since its inception was -3.33%, smaller than the maximum ASCE drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFIX and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFIX	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-9.22%	+5.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-0.38%	-1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-2.10%	+1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFIX	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.87%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	19.25%	-15.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	19.25%	-14.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	19.25%	-14.70%

AFIX vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFIX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFIX vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

AFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.02%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	5.02%	4.94%	0.38%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFIX and ASCE in my portfolio?

AFIX and ASCE have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFIX or ASCE?

On fees, AFIX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFIX or ASCE?

AFIX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFIX or ASCE?

AFIX has the higher dividend yield at 5.02%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between AFIX and ASCE?

AFIX is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while ASCE is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AFIX and 0.38% for ASCE.