AFSC vs. BBSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) and BBSC (JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AFSC is actively managed, while BBSC is passively managed. Over the past year, AFSC returned 34.76% vs 39.05% for BBSC. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFSC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for BBSC.

Performance

AFSC vs. BBSC - 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 JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (BBSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFSC achieves a 24.40% return, which is significantly higher than BBSC's 19.47% return.

AFSC

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: 6.74%
• YTD: 24.40%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 34.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BBSC

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 3.89%
• YTD: 19.47%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 39.05%
• 3Y*: 19.15%
• 5Y*: 6.82%
• 10Y*: —

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

AFSC vs. BBSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	24.40%	2.33%
BBSC JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	19.47%	8.49%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSC and BBSC is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2025	0.92

The correlation between AFSC and BBSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFSC vs. BBSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 65
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 53
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 75

BBSC

BBSC Risk / Return Rank: 70
BBSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
BBSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
BBSC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
BBSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
BBSC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. BBSC - 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 JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (BBSC). 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	BBSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	2.03	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.85	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	4.11	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	13.44	-0.55

AFSC vs. BBSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the BBSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFSC and BBSC, 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. BBSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSC drawdown since its inception was -21.93%, smaller than the maximum BBSC drawdown of -30.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSC and BBSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSC	BBSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.93%	-30.96%	+9.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	-9.54%	-0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.32%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-0.56%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-11.39%	+7.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	2.91%	-0.21%

Volatility

AFSC vs. BBSC - Volatility Comparison

abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) and JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF (BBSC) have volatilities of 5.46% and 5.51%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFSC	BBSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	5.51%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.59%	13.41%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.01%	19.38%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.51%	22.97%	-0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	22.84%	-0.33%

AFSC vs. BBSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSC has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than BBSC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSC vs. BBSC - Dividend Comparison

AFSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than BBSC's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BBSC JPMorgan BetaBuilders U.S. Small Cap Equity ETF	1.00%	1.13%	1.29%	1.58%	1.37%	1.06%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSC and BBSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, AFSC and BBSC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AFSC or BBSC?

BBSC has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to AFSC (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFSC dropped -21.93% vs BBSC's -30.96%.

Which ETF is better, AFSC or BBSC?

On 1-year performance, BBSC leads with 39.05% vs 34.76% for AFSC. On fees, BBSC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFSC or BBSC?

Over the 1-year period, BBSC has performed better with a 39.05% return vs 34.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSC or BBSC?

BBSC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

BBSC has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between AFSC and BBSC?

They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and JPMorgan. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFSC and 0.09% for BBSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.84), 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.