ASLV vs. FTA

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

ASLV (Allspring Special Large Value ETF) and FTA (First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. ASLV is actively managed, while FTA is passively managed. Over the past year, ASLV returned 18.56% vs 31.73% for FTA. Their 0.79 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. ASLV charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTA.

Performance

ASLV vs. FTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) and First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASLV achieves a 9.77% return, which is significantly lower than FTA's 18.18% return.

ASLV

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 1.29%
• 6M: 5.90%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 1Y: 18.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 18.17%

FTA

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 2.70%
• 6M: 12.86%
• YTD: 18.18%
• 1Y: 31.73%
• 3Y*: 15.29%
• 5Y*: 11.21%
• 10Y*: 11.60%
• ALL TIME*: 8.58%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ASLV Allspring Special Large Value ETF	$59.50K	$94.79K	$123.79K
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	$3.06M	$3.30M	$2.95M

ASLV vs. FTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASLV Allspring Special Large Value ETF	9.77%	14.02%
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	18.18%	13.37%

Correlation

The correlation between ASLV and FTA is 0.74, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	0.79

The correlation between ASLV and FTA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ASLV vs. FTA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ASLV

ASLV Risk / Return Rank: 60
ASLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ASLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
ASLV Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ASLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ASLV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

FTA

FTA Risk / Return Rank: 94
FTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FTA Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FTA Martin Ratio Rank: 95

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ASLV vs. FTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) and First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA). 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.

	ASLV	FTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.63	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.90	-1.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.46	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	5.93	-3.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.23	20.26	-13.03

ASLV vs. FTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the FTA Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASLV and FTA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ASLV vs. FTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASLV drawdown since its inception was -10.98%, smaller than the maximum FTA drawdown of -62.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASLV and FTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASLV	FTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.98%	-62.45%	+51.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.69%	-5.13%	-3.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.56%	+1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-8.97%	+7.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	1.50%	+0.95%

Volatility

ASLV vs. FTA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Large Value ETF (ASLV) is 3.38%, while First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) has a volatility of 3.93%. This indicates that ASLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASLV	FTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.93%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.45%	8.04%	+1.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.26%	11.61%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.90%	16.23%	-1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.90%	19.85%	-4.95%

ASLV vs. FTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASLV has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTA's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASLV vs. FTA - Dividend Comparison

ASLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than FTA's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASLV Allspring Special Large Value ETF	0.79%	0.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.61%	1.89%	2.02%	2.10%	2.15%	1.54%	2.03%	1.88%	2.28%	1.53%	1.56%	2.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASLV and FTA in my portfolio?

ASLV and FTA have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASLV or FTA?

FTA has higher volatility (3.93%) compared to ASLV (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASLV dropped -10.98% vs FTA's -62.45%.

Which ETF is better, ASLV or FTA?

On 1-year performance, FTA leads with 31.73% vs 18.56% for ASLV. On fees, ASLV is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, ASLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ASLV or FTA?

Over the 1-year period, FTA has performed better with a 31.73% return vs 18.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASLV or FTA?

ASLV is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASLV or FTA?

FTA has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.79% for ASLV.

What is the main difference between ASLV and FTA?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for ASLV and 0.60% for FTA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 1.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.