FESM vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FESM charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

FESM vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) 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, FESM achieves a 19.64% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

FESM

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 19.64%
• 6M: 19.11%
• 1Y: 46.73%
• 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)

FESM vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	19.64%	16.20%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between FESM and ASCE is 0.91, 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	0.91

Return for Risk

FESM vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

FESM vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM) 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.

	FESM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.34	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.61	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.60	—	—
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

	FESM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.29	1.92	-0.63

Drawdowns

FESM vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FESM drawdown since its inception was -26.93%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FESM and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FESM	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.93%	-9.22%	-17.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-0.38%	-1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.79%	-2.10%	-2.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FESM	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.64%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.32%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.98%	19.25%	-0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.26%	19.25%	+2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.26%	19.25%	+2.01%

FESM vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FESM has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

FESM vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

FESM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.53%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FESM and ASCE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FESM 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, FESM or ASCE?

On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FESM or ASCE?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

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

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between FESM and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for FESM and 0.38% for ASCE.