AFSM vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFSM (First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFSM charges 0.77%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

AFSM vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) 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, AFSM achieves a 15.65% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

AFSM

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 15.65%
• 6M: 15.19%
• 1Y: 30.17%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 8.53%
• 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)

AFSM vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	15.65%	8.46%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between AFSM and ASCE 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

AFSM vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFSM

AFSM Risk / Return Rank: 54
AFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
AFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
AFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 46
AFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
AFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

AFSM vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) 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.

	AFSM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.41	—	—
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

	AFSM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	1.92	-1.47

Drawdowns

AFSM vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFSM drawdown since its inception was -43.54%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFSM and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFSM	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.54%	-9.22%	-34.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-0.38%	-1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.48%	-2.10%	-7.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AFSM	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.14%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.89%	19.25%	-1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.82%	19.25%	+1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.40%	19.25%	+6.15%

AFSM vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFSM has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFSM vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

AFSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFSM First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF	0.47%	0.58%	0.58%	0.92%	1.28%	0.35%	0.53%	0.32%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFSM and ASCE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, AFSM and ASCE 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 ETF is better, AFSM or ASCE?

On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFSM or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.77% for AFSM.

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

AFSM has the higher dividend yield at 0.47%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between AFSM and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.77% for AFSM and 0.38% for ASCE.