ASCI vs. AGEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and AGEM (abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while AGEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by abrdn. Both are actively managed. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

ASCI vs. AGEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCI achieves a 7.39% return, which is significantly lower than AGEM's 31.54% return.

ASCI

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AGEM

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: 8.91%
• YTD: 31.54%
• 6M: 33.66%
• 1Y: 63.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCI vs. AGEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	31.54%	1.44%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and AGEM is 0.76, 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 Oct 21, 2025	0.76

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. AGEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

AGEM

AGEM Risk / Return Rank: 87
AGEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
AGEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AGEM Omega Ratio Rank: 88
AGEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
AGEM Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

ASCI vs. AGEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM). 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

	ASCI	AGEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	2.41	-1.64

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. AGEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum AGEM drawdown of -15.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and AGEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	AGEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-15.58%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-1.46%	-1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-2.23%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.56%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	AGEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.15%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.67%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	20.15%	-1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	21.51%	-2.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	21.51%	-2.83%

ASCI vs. AGEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ASCI and AGEM have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

ASCI vs. AGEM - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than AGEM's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AGEM abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF	1.71%	1.80%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and AGEM in my portfolio?

ASCI and AGEM have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASCI or AGEM?

Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or AGEM?

ASCI and AGEM have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASCI or AGEM?

AGEM has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and AGEM?

ASCI is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while AGEM is Emerging Markets Equities.