EPSB vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EPSB (Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EPSB charges 0.88%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

EPSB vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPSB achieves a 18.61% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

EPSB

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 18.61%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 29.37%
• 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)

EPSB vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	18.61%	4.97%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between EPSB and ASCE is 0.81, 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 Jul 9, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

EPSB vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPSB

EPSB Risk / Return Rank: 64
EPSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
EPSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
EPSB Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EPSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EPSB Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

EPSB vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF (EPSB) 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.

	EPSB	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPSB	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	1.92	+0.16

Drawdowns

EPSB vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPSB drawdown since its inception was -8.46%, smaller than the maximum ASCE drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPSB and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPSB	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-9.22%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-0.38%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-2.10%	+0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EPSB	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.44%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.87%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	19.25%	-4.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	19.25%	-3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	19.25%	-3.87%

EPSB vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPSB has a 0.88% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPSB vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

EPSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%
EPSB Harbor SMID Cap Core ETF	1.15%	1.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPSB and ASCE in my portfolio?

EPSB and ASCE have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EPSB 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, EPSB or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.88% for EPSB.

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

EPSB has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between EPSB and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.88% for EPSB and 0.38% for ASCE.