ASCI vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. ASCI is actively managed, while VSS is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASCI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

ASCI vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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 VSS's 10.57% return.

ASCI

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

VSS

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 10.57%
• 6M: 13.10%
• 1Y: 27.32%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

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

ASCI vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.57%	2.69%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCI and VSS is 0.86, 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 Oct 21, 2025	0.86

Return for Risk

ASCI vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 51
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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	VSS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.55	+0.22

Drawdowns

ASCI vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCI drawdown since its inception was -11.22%, smaller than the maximum VSS drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCI and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCI	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-43.51%	+32.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.62%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-2.58%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-9.64%	+7.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.00%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCI	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.33%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.68%	14.81%	+3.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.68%	16.46%	+2.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	17.27%	+1.41%

ASCI vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCI vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than VSS's 3.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.07%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCI and VSS in my portfolio?

ASCI and VSS have a correlation of 0.86, 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 VSS?

On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCI or VSS?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.07%, compared with 0.75% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between ASCI and VSS?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ASCI and 0.07% for VSS.