AGEM vs. ASCI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AGEM (abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF) and ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AGEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn. Both are actively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

AGEM vs. ASCI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) and abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AGEM achieves a 34.43% return, which is significantly higher than ASCI's 7.52% return.

AGEM

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 8.57%
• YTD: 34.43%
• 6M: 35.79%
• 1Y: 64.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCI

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -1.40%
• YTD: 7.52%
• 6M: 7.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AGEM vs. ASCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	34.43%	3.24%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.52%	1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between AGEM and ASCI is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

AGEM vs. ASCI — Risk / Return Rank

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

AGEM

AGEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
AGEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
AGEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
AGEM Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AGEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
AGEM Martin Ratio Rank: 86

ASCI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

AGEM vs. ASCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) and abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). 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.

	AGEM	ASCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.97	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.68	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.46	—	—

Drawdowns

AGEM vs. ASCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AGEM drawdown since its inception was -15.58%, which is greater than ASCI's maximum drawdown of -11.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AGEM and ASCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AGEM	ASCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.58%	-11.22%	-4.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.73%	+2.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-2.45%	+0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AGEM	ASCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.54%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.79%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.99%	19.12%	+2.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.53%	19.12%	+3.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.53%	19.12%	+3.41%

AGEM vs. ASCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AGEM and ASCI have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

AGEM vs. ASCI - Dividend Comparison

AGEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, more than ASCI's 0.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	1.67%	1.80%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AGEM and ASCI in my portfolio?

AGEM and ASCI have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AGEM or ASCI?

Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AGEM or ASCI?

AGEM and ASCI have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AGEM or ASCI?

AGEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between AGEM and ASCI?

AGEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while ASCI is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities.