AIMS vs. SPSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIMS (Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF) and SPSM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AIMS is actively managed, while SPSM is passively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AIMS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for SPSM.

Performance

AIMS vs. SPSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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*: —

SPSM

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.62%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 14.19%
• 1Y: 31.50%
• 3Y*: 14.42%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 10.77%

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

AIMS vs. SPSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	7.43%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	4.93%

Correlation

The correlation between AIMS and SPSM is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2026	0.95

Return for Risk

AIMS vs. SPSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPSM

SPSM Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPSM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
SPSM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. SPSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). 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	SPSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.45	+0.87

Drawdowns

AIMS vs. SPSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIMS drawdown since its inception was -8.32%, smaller than the maximum SPSM drawdown of -42.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIMS and SPSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIMS	SPSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.32%	-42.89%	+34.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.72%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.94%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-0.97%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.33%	-7.93%	+5.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIMS	SPSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.94%	17.47%	+2.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	21.43%	-1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	22.99%	-3.05%

AIMS vs. SPSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIMS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SPSM's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIMS vs. SPSM - Dividend Comparison

AIMS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
SPSM SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF	1.43%	1.62%	1.85%	1.61%	1.38%	1.40%	1.34%	1.58%	1.82%	1.51%	1.49%	2.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIMS and SPSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AIMS and SPSM 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 SPSM?

On fees, SPSM is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIMS or SPSM?

SPSM is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIMS.

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

SPSM has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.00% for AIMS.

What is the main difference between AIMS and SPSM?

They also come from different issuers: Acuitas Investments and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIMS and 0.05% for SPSM.