ASCE vs. MSSM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) and MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, ASCE returned 38.09% vs 30.12% for MSSM. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASCE charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for MSSM.

Performance

ASCE vs. MSSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCE achieves a 27.72% return, which is significantly higher than MSSM's 19.65% return.

ASCE

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 2.79%
• 6M: 22.73%
• YTD: 27.72%
• 1Y: 38.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSSM

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: 3.13%
• 6M: 14.38%
• YTD: 19.65%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCE vs. MSSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	27.72%	8.46%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	19.65%	10.19%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCE and MSSM is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.91

The correlation between ASCE and MSSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ASCE vs. MSSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 79
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 68
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 69
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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. MSSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM). 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	MSSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.70	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.43	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.29	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	3.18	+0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.02	12.08	+0.94

ASCE vs. MSSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the MSSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASCE and MSSM, 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. MSSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCE drawdown since its inception was -9.22%, smaller than the maximum MSSM drawdown of -25.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCE and MSSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCE	MSSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.22%	-25.16%	+15.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-9.50%	+0.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-2.28%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.02%	-4.99%	+2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.50%	+0.43%

Volatility

ASCE vs. MSSM - Volatility Comparison

Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a higher volatility of 7.15% compared to Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) at 5.30%. This indicates that ASCE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASCE	MSSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.15%	5.30%	+1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	13.40%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.72%	17.82%	+1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.69%	20.85%	-1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	20.85%	-1.16%

ASCE vs. MSSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCE has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than MSSM's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCE vs. MSSM - Dividend Comparison

ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than MSSM's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.63%	3.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCE and MSSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ASCE and MSSM 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 is riskier, ASCE or MSSM?

ASCE has higher volatility (7.15%) compared to MSSM (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASCE dropped -9.22% vs MSSM's -25.16%.

Which ETF is better, ASCE or MSSM?

On 1-year performance, ASCE leads with 38.09% vs 30.12% for MSSM. On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, MSSM has been the lower-risk option at 5.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASCE or MSSM?

Over the 1-year period, ASCE has performed better with a 38.09% return vs 30.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCE or MSSM?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

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

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.17% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between ASCE and MSSM?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Morgan Stanley. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ASCE and 0.62% for MSSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.70), 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.