AIMS vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIMS (Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AIMS is actively managed, while ISMD is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIMS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

AIMS vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AIMS

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: 2.72%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 21.54%
• 6M: 20.97%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

AIMS vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	7.43%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	9.45%

Correlation

The correlation between AIMS and ISMD is 0.93, 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 11, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

AIMS vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 63
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

AIMS vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AIMS	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.40	+0.92

Drawdowns

AIMS vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIMS drawdown since its inception was -8.32%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIMS and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIMS	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.32%	-44.60%	+36.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.64%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-1.62%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.33%	-8.17%	+5.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.07%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIMS	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.95%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.52%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.94%	18.56%	+1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	20.87%	-0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	23.74%	-3.80%

AIMS vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIMS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIMS vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

AIMS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ISMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.95%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIMS and ISMD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AIMS and ISMD 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, AIMS or ISMD?

On fees, ISMD is cheaper at 0.57% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIMS or ISMD?

ISMD is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIMS.

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

ISMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.00% for AIMS.

What is the main difference between AIMS and ISMD?

They also come from different issuers: Acuitas Investments and Inspire. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIMS and 0.57% for ISMD.