ASCE vs. APLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

ASCE vs. APLU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCE achieves a 22.25% return, which is significantly higher than APLU's 0.35% return.

ASCE

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 22.25%
• 6M: 21.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APLU

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCE vs. APLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

The correlation between ASCE and APLU 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

ASCE vs. APLU — 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.

ASCE vs. APLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Drawdowns

ASCE vs. APLU - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCE	APLU	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	19.25%	4.05%	+15.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.25%	5.06%	+14.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.25%	5.06%	+14.19%

ASCE vs. APLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ASCE vs. APLU - Dividend Comparison

ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than APLU's 5.43% 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 ASCE and APLU in my portfolio?

ASCE and APLU 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, ASCE or APLU?

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, ASCE or APLU?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between ASCE and APLU?

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