ASCI vs. NISM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and NISM (NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

ASCI vs. NISM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

ASCI

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -3.30%
• 6M: 1.32%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NISM

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -1.23%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCI vs. NISM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	-3.62%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	-1.88%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and NISM is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2026	0.81

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. NISM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM). 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.

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

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. NISM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, which is greater than NISM's maximum drawdown of -4.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and NISM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	NISM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-4.35%	-6.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-1.96%	-3.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.68%	-1.75%	-0.93%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	NISM	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.02%	14.09%	+4.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.02%	14.09%	+4.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.02%	14.09%	+4.93%

ASCI vs. NISM - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ASCI vs. NISM - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than NISM's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.77%	0.80%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and NISM in my portfolio?

ASCI and NISM have a correlation of 0.81, 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 NISM?

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 NISM?

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

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

ASCI has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.24% for NISM.

What is the main difference between ASCI and NISM?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and New York Life Investment Management.