ASCI vs. DLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ASCI is actively managed, while DLS is passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DLS.

Performance

ASCI vs. DLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCI achieves a 7.52% return, which is significantly higher than DLS's 6.66% return.

ASCI

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -1.40%
• YTD: 7.52%
• 6M: 7.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DLS

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 6.66%
• 6M: 7.69%
• 1Y: 22.64%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 7.27%
• 10Y*: 8.34%

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

ASCI vs. DLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.52%	1.37%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.66%	4.34%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and DLS is 0.79, 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 20, 2025	0.79

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. DLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASCI

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 47
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. DLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ASCI	DLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.65	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.37	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.06	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.37	—

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. DLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum DLS drawdown of -63.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and DLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	DLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-63.13%	+51.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.04%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.22%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.73%	-3.18%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-13.62%	+11.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	DLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.49%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.12%	13.78%	+5.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.12%	15.62%	+3.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	16.65%	+2.47%

ASCI vs. DLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than DLS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. DLS - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than DLS's 3.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and DLS in my portfolio?

ASCI and DLS have a correlation of 0.79, 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 DLS?

On fees, DLS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or DLS?

DLS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

DLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and DLS?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.58% for DLS.