ASCI vs. STIP

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and STIP (iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn, while STIP is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg US Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) 0-5 Years Index (Series-L). ASCI is actively managed, while STIP is passively managed. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for STIP.

Performance

ASCI vs. STIP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF (STIP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCI achieves a 4.02% return, which is significantly higher than STIP's 1.77% return.

ASCI

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

STIP

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.04%
• 6M: 1.71%
• YTD: 1.77%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 5.11%
• 5Y*: 3.18%
• 10Y*: 3.10%

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

ASCI vs. STIP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	4.02%	1.37%
STIP iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF	1.77%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and STIP is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2025	0.04

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. STIP — 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.

STIP

STIP Risk / Return Rank: 91
STIP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
STIP Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
STIP Omega Ratio Rank: 91
STIP Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
STIP Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. STIP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF (STIP). 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	STIP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.31	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.64	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.48	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.88	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	16.15	—

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. STIP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, which is greater than STIP's maximum drawdown of -5.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and STIP.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	STIP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-5.50%	-5.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.73%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.95%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.50%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-0.29%	-5.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.68%	-0.99%	-1.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.22%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	STIP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.61%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.02%	1.53%	+17.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.02%	2.74%	+16.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.02%	2.45%	+16.57%

ASCI vs. STIP - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than STIP's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. STIP - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, less than STIP's 4.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.77%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
STIP iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF	4.91%	4.11%	2.62%	2.84%	6.04%	4.15%	1.40%	2.06%	2.44%	1.59%	0.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and STIP in my portfolio?

ASCI and STIP have a correlation of 0.04, 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 STIP?

On fees, STIP is cheaper at 0.06% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or STIP?

STIP is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

STIP has the higher dividend yield at 4.91%, compared with 0.77% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and STIP?

ASCI is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while STIP is Inflation-Protected Bonds. They also come from different issuers: abrdn and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.06% for STIP.