ASCE vs. SMLL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) and SMLL (Harbor Active Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASCE charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for SMLL.

Performance

ASCE vs. SMLL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCE achieves a 28.36% return, which is significantly higher than SMLL's 3.14% return.

ASCE

• 1D: -2.21%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 28.36%
• 6M: 23.53%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMLL

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.98%
• YTD: 3.14%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 0.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCE vs. SMLL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	28.36%	8.46%
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	3.14%	-6.14%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCE and SMLL is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

ASCE vs. SMLL — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASCE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SMLL

SMLL Risk / Return Rank: 9
SMLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SMLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SMLL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SMLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SMLL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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. SMLL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL). 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	SMLL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.02	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.15	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.02	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.02	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	0.04	—

Drawdowns

ASCE vs. SMLL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCE drawdown since its inception was -9.22%, smaller than the maximum SMLL drawdown of -23.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCE and SMLL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCE	SMLL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.22%	-23.56%	+14.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.21%	-10.35%	+8.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.02%	-8.74%	+6.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCE	SMLL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.33%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.88%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.77%	17.49%	+2.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.77%	20.25%	-0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.77%	20.25%	-0.48%

ASCE vs. SMLL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCE has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than SMLL's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCE vs. SMLL - Dividend Comparison

ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than SMLL's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%	0.00%
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	2.30%	2.37%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCE and SMLL in my portfolio?

ASCE and SMLL have a correlation of 0.75, 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 SMLL?

On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCE or SMLL?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for SMLL.

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

SMLL has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.17% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between ASCE and SMLL?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Harbor. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ASCE and 0.80% for SMLL.