DFMC vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFMC (Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFMC charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

DFMC vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DFMC

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCE

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 22.25%
• 6M: 21.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFMC vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	11.97%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	19.75%

Correlation

The correlation between DFMC and ASCE is 0.90, 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 Mar 24, 2026	0.90

Return for Risk

DFMC vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF (DFMC) and Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE). 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

	DFMC	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.79	1.92	+2.88

Drawdowns

DFMC vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFMC drawdown since its inception was -4.29%, smaller than the maximum ASCE drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFMC and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFMC	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.29%	-9.22%	+4.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-0.38%	-0.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-2.10%	+1.26%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFMC	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.19%	19.25%	-3.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	19.25%	-3.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.19%	19.25%	-3.06%

DFMC vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFMC has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFMC vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

DFMC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%
DFMC Dimensional US Micro Cap Portfolio ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFMC and ASCE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, DFMC and ASCE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, DFMC or ASCE?

On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFMC or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DFMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFMC or ASCE?

ASCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.00% for DFMC.

What is the main difference between DFMC and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional Fund Advisors and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DFMC and 0.38% for ASCE.