ASCI vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

ASCI vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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 FAAR's 25.73% return.

ASCI

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

FAAR

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 25.73%
• 6M: 23.17%
• 1Y: 40.73%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 8.07%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

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

ASCI vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	25.73%	-1.34%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and FAAR is -0.21, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2025	-0.21

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.45	+0.32

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-18.03%	+6.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.85%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-1.11%	-1.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-7.85%	+5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.44%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	13.48%	+5.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	13.02%	+5.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	11.51%	+7.17%

ASCI vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than FAAR's 9.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.15%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and FAAR in my portfolio?

ASCI and FAAR have a correlation of -0.21, 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 FAAR?

On fees, ASCI is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or FAAR?

ASCI is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

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

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.15%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and FAAR?

ASCI is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: abrdn and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.95% for FAAR.