ESIX vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ESIX (SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. ESIX is passively managed, while AFSC is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESIX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

ESIX vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ESIX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFSC

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 7.77%
• YTD: 25.60%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 34.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESIX vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	10.83%	1.08%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	25.60%	2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between ESIX and AFSC is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2025	0.86

The correlation between ESIX and AFSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ESIX vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESIX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 67
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 56
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

ESIX vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). 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.

	ESIX	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.83	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.58	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.37	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.79	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	ESIX	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-21.93%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.34%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-4.11%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.70%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESIX	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.48%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	18.98%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	22.49%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	22.49%	—

ESIX vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESIX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESIX vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

ESIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than AFSC's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	1.05%	1.64%	1.65%	1.69%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESIX and AFSC in my portfolio?

ESIX and AFSC have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESIX or AFSC?

On fees, ESIX is cheaper at 0.12% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESIX or AFSC?

ESIX is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESIX or AFSC?

ESIX has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between ESIX and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for ESIX and 0.65% for AFSC.