ASCE vs. AFIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) and AFIX (Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCE is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Allspring, while AFIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Allspring. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ASCE returned 36.63% vs 4.05% for AFIX. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ASCE charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for AFIX.

Performance

ASCE vs. AFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCE achieves a 25.79% return, which is significantly higher than AFIX's -0.10% return.

ASCE

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -2.51%
• 6M: 19.63%
• YTD: 25.79%
• 1Y: 36.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.70%
• 6M: -0.38%
• YTD: -0.10%
• 1Y: 4.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCE vs. AFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	25.79%	8.46%
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	-0.10%	4.07%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCE and AFIX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.27

Return for Risk

ASCE vs. AFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 77
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 81

AFIX

AFIX Risk / Return Rank: 34
AFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
AFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
AFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
AFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
AFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

ASCE vs. AFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX). 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.

	ASCE	AFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.04	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	1.54	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.18	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	1.31	+2.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.48	3.64	+8.84

ASCE vs. AFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the AFIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASCE and AFIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ASCE vs. AFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCE drawdown since its inception was -9.22%, which is greater than AFIX's maximum drawdown of -3.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCE and AFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCE	AFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.22%	-3.33%	-5.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-3.10%	-6.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.17%	-2.27%	-1.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.03%	-1.00%	-1.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	1.12%	+1.82%

Volatility

ASCE vs. AFIX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a higher volatility of 7.16% compared to Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) at 1.37%. This indicates that ASCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASCE	AFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	1.37%	+5.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.91%	3.09%	+11.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.75%	3.94%	+15.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.65%	4.53%	+15.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.65%	4.53%	+15.12%

ASCE vs. AFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCE has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than AFIX's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCE vs. AFIX - Dividend Comparison

ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than AFIX's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	5.07%	4.94%	0.38%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCE and AFIX in my portfolio?

ASCE and AFIX have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASCE or AFIX?

ASCE has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to AFIX (1.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASCE dropped -9.22% vs AFIX's -3.33%.

Which ETF is better, ASCE or AFIX?

On 1-year performance, ASCE leads with 36.63% vs 4.05% for AFIX. On fees, AFIX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, AFIX has been the lower-risk option at 1.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASCE or AFIX?

Over the 1-year period, ASCE has performed better with a 36.63% return vs 4.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCE or AFIX?

AFIX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

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

AFIX has the higher dividend yield at 5.07%, compared with 0.17% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between ASCE and AFIX?

ASCE is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while AFIX is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ASCE and 0.20% for AFIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.04), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.