APLU vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

APLU (Allspring Core Plus ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - APLU is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Allspring, while ASCE is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Allspring. Both are actively managed. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. APLU charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

APLU vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) 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, APLU achieves a 0.35% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

APLU

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

APLU vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	0.35%	4.18%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between APLU and ASCE is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.25

Return for Risk

APLU vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

APLU

APLU Risk / Return Rank: 40
APLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
APLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Omega Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
APLU Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

APLU vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) 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.

	APLU	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.22	—	—
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

	APLU	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	1.92	-1.16

Drawdowns

APLU vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APLU drawdown since its inception was -3.24%, smaller than the maximum ASCE drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APLU and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	APLU	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-9.22%	+5.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-0.38%	-1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-2.10%	+1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	APLU	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.44%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.05%	19.25%	-15.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.06%	19.25%	-14.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.06%	19.25%	-14.19%

APLU vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

APLU has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

APLU vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

APLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.43%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	5.43%	5.13%	0.44%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APLU and ASCE in my portfolio?

APLU and ASCE have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, APLU or ASCE?

On fees, APLU is cheaper at 0.31% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, APLU or ASCE?

APLU is cheaper with a 0.31% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

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

APLU has the higher dividend yield at 5.43%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between APLU and ASCE?

APLU is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while ASCE is Small Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for APLU and 0.38% for ASCE.