AIMS vs. ASCE

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

AIMS (Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIMS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

AIMS vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AIMS

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: 6.75%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCE

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: 4.18%
• 6M: 25.72%
• YTD: 27.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIMS vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	13.60%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	17.95%

Correlation

The correlation between AIMS and ASCE is 0.87, 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 Feb 10, 2026	0.87

Return for Risk

AIMS vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) 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.

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.

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

Drawdowns

AIMS vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIMS drawdown since its inception was -9.18%, roughly equal to the maximum ASCE drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIMS and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIMS	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.18%	-9.22%	+0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-2.98%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.32%	-2.00%	-0.32%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIMS	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.01%	19.68%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.01%	19.68%	+0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.01%	19.68%	+0.33%

AIMS vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIMS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIMS vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

AIMS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%.

Position	TTM	2025
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	0.00%	0.00%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIMS and ASCE in my portfolio?

AIMS and ASCE have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AIMS 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, AIMS or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIMS.

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

ASCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.00% for AIMS.

What is the main difference between AIMS and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Acuitas Investments and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIMS and 0.38% for ASCE.