ASCI vs. NRGU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). ASCI is actively managed, while NRGU is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.28, they often move in opposite directions. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for NRGU.

Performance

ASCI vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). 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 NRGU's 129.31% return.

ASCI

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

NRGU

• 1D: 2.53%
• 1M: -6.67%
• YTD: 129.31%
• 6M: 97.01%
• 1Y: 156.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ASCI vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	129.31%	0.23%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and NRGU is -0.28, 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	-0.28

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 58
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 48
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). 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	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.45	+0.32

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum NRGU drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-57.50%	+46.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-39.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-20.91%	+18.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-25.42%	+23.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	15.96%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	31.63%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	61.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	75.15%	-56.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	89.15%	-70.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	89.15%	-70.47%

ASCI vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ASCI vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, while NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and NRGU in my portfolio?

ASCI and NRGU have a correlation of -0.28, 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 NRGU?

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 NRGU?

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

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

ASCI has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between ASCI and NRGU?

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