ASCI vs. SGOL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while SGOL is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). ASCI is actively managed, while SGOL is passively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for SGOL.

Performance

ASCI vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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 higher than SGOL's 2.97% return.

ASCI

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

SGOL

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 5.51%
• 1Y: 32.27%
• 3Y*: 31.36%
• 5Y*: 18.40%
• 10Y*: 13.32%

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

ASCI vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	2.97%	-1.58%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and SGOL is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. SGOL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 32
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SGOL Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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	SGOL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.55	+0.22

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum SGOL drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and SGOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	SGOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-45.51%	+34.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.14%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.14%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.92%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-17.72%	+14.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-18.41%	+16.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	SGOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.46%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	22.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	26.33%	-7.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	17.89%	+0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	15.91%	+2.77%

ASCI vs. SGOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than SGOL's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and SGOL in my portfolio?

ASCI and SGOL have a correlation of 0.38, 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 SGOL?

On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or SGOL?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

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

What is the main difference between ASCI and SGOL?

ASCI is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while SGOL is Precious Metals. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.17% for SGOL.