AFSC vs. SMDV

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) and SMDV (ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AFSC is actively managed, while SMDV is passively managed. Over the past year, AFSC returned 31.70% vs 17.14% for SMDV. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFSC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SMDV.

Performance

AFSC vs. SMDV - 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 ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV). 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 higher than SMDV's 17.12% return.

AFSC

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

SMDV

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 2.47%
• 6M: 12.92%
• YTD: 17.12%
• 1Y: 17.14%
• 3Y*: 12.10%
• 5Y*: 6.72%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

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

AFSC vs. SMDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	25.00%	2.33%
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	17.12%	-2.06%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSC and SMDV is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2025	0.77

The correlation between AFSC and SMDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFSC vs. SMDV — 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

SMDV

SMDV Risk / Return Rank: 37
SMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. SMDV - 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 ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV). 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	SMDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.03	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	1.63	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.19	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	1.62	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.11	4.99	+6.12

AFSC vs. SMDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is higher than the SMDV Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFSC and SMDV, 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. SMDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSC drawdown since its inception was -21.93%, smaller than the maximum SMDV drawdown of -34.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSC and SMDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSC	SMDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.93%	-34.12%	+12.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	-9.79%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.23%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.18%	-1.42%	-1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-5.89%	+1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	3.23%	-0.49%

Volatility

AFSC vs. SMDV - Volatility Comparison

abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) has a higher volatility of 5.71% compared to ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) at 3.78%. This indicates that AFSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFSC	SMDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	3.78%	+1.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.64%	10.68%	+3.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.08%	15.43%	+3.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	18.58%	+3.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.34%	20.72%	+1.62%

AFSC vs. SMDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSC has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SMDV's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSC vs. SMDV - Dividend Comparison

AFSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than SMDV's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	2.30%	2.67%	2.68%	2.69%	2.51%	2.02%	2.13%	2.03%	1.97%	1.84%	1.35%	1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSC and SMDV in my portfolio?

AFSC and SMDV have a correlation of 0.75, 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 SMDV?

AFSC has higher volatility (5.71%) compared to SMDV (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFSC dropped -21.93% vs SMDV's -34.12%.

Which ETF is better, AFSC or SMDV?

On 1-year performance, AFSC leads with 31.70% vs 17.14% for SMDV. On fees, SMDV is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SMDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFSC or SMDV?

Over the 1-year period, AFSC has performed better with a 31.70% return vs 17.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSC or SMDV?

SMDV is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

SMDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between AFSC and SMDV?

They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFSC and 0.40% for SMDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.03), 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.