AFSC vs. ORBX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) and ORBX (Global X Space Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFSC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Aberdeen, while ORBX is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Space Tech Index. AFSC is actively managed, while ORBX is passively managed. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AFSC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ORBX.

Performance

AFSC vs. ORBX - 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 Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AFSC

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 16.58%
• 6M: 13.48%
• 1Y: 27.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ORBX

• 1D: -7.31%
• 1M: 23.50%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFSC vs. ORBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	7.51%
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	22.02%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSC and ORBX is 0.36, 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 Apr 16, 2026	0.36

Return for Risk

AFSC vs. ORBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 47
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 38
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. ORBX - 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 Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX). 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.

	AFSC	ORBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.96	—	—
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

	AFSC	ORBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	4.31	-3.64

Drawdowns

AFSC vs. ORBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSC drawdown since its inception was -21.68%, which is greater than ORBX's maximum drawdown of -18.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSC and ORBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSC	ORBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.68%	-18.53%	-3.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-18.53%	+16.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-5.01%	+0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFSC	ORBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.49%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.59%	79.41%	-60.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.57%	79.41%	-56.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.57%	79.41%	-56.84%

AFSC vs. ORBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSC has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ORBX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSC vs. ORBX - Dividend Comparison

AFSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, while ORBX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.07%	0.08%
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSC and ORBX in my portfolio?

AFSC and ORBX have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AFSC or ORBX?

On fees, ORBX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSC or ORBX?

ORBX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

AFSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.07%, compared with 0.00% for ORBX.

What is the main difference between AFSC and ORBX?

AFSC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while ORBX is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFSC and 0.50% for ORBX.