AFSC vs. ASCE

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AFSC returned 31.70% vs 38.05% for ASCE. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFSC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

AFSC vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) 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, AFSC achieves a 25.00% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 27.10% return.

AFSC

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 1.81%
• 6M: 18.53%
• YTD: 25.00%
• 1Y: 31.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCE

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -1.50%
• 6M: 20.96%
• YTD: 27.10%
• 1Y: 38.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFSC vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	25.00%	5.74%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	27.10%	8.46%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSC and ASCE is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.88

The correlation between AFSC and ASCE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFSC vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 64
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 52
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 75

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 76
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

AFSC vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AFSC	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.85	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.69	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.31	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.96	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	12.43	-1.32

AFSC vs. ASCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the ASCE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFSC and ASCE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AFSC vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSC drawdown since its inception was -21.93%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSC and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSC	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.93%	-9.22%	-12.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	-9.22%	-1.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.18%	-3.18%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-2.02%	-2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	2.94%	-0.20%

Volatility

AFSC vs. ASCE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is 5.71%, while Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a volatility of 7.08%. This indicates that AFSC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ASCE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFSC	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	7.08%	-1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.64%	14.86%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.08%	19.73%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	19.66%	+2.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.34%	19.66%	+2.68%

AFSC vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSC has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSC vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

AFSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than ASCE's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.06%	0.08%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSC and ASCE in my portfolio?

AFSC and ASCE have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFSC or ASCE?

ASCE has higher volatility (7.08%) compared to AFSC (5.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFSC dropped -21.93% vs ASCE's -9.22%.

Which ETF is better, AFSC or ASCE?

On 1-year performance, ASCE leads with 38.05% vs 31.70% for AFSC. On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, AFSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFSC or ASCE?

Over the 1-year period, ASCE has performed better with a 38.05% return vs 31.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSC or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

ASCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between AFSC and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFSC and 0.38% for ASCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.58), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.