FYX vs. ASCE

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FYX (First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FYX is passively managed, while ASCE is actively managed. Over the past year, FYX returned 46.93% vs 38.53% for ASCE. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FYX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

FYX vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FYX having a 27.49% return and ASCE slightly lower at 26.69%.

FYX

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 4.39%
• 6M: 18.86%
• YTD: 27.49%
• 1Y: 46.93%
• 3Y*: 20.43%
• 5Y*: 11.49%
• 10Y*: 12.63%

ASCE

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -2.74%
• 6M: 19.06%
• YTD: 26.69%
• 1Y: 38.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FYX vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	27.49%	14.43%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	26.69%	8.46%

Correlation

The correlation between FYX and ASCE is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.86

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

Return for Risk

FYX vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FYX

FYX Risk / Return Rank: 93
FYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FYX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FYX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 79
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 69
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

FYX vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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.

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.

	FYX	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	1.96	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.75	2.83	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.33	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.24	4.20	+2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.23	13.04	+7.19

FYX vs. ASCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is higher than the ASCE Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FYX and ASCE, 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

FYX vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FYX drawdown since its inception was -61.80%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FYX and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FYX	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.80%	-9.22%	-52.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.56%	-9.22%	+1.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-3.49%	+2.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.82%	-2.04%	-8.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.33%	2.96%	-0.63%

Volatility

FYX vs. ASCE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) is 3.78%, while Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a volatility of 6.22%. This indicates that FYX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ASCE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FYX	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	6.22%	-2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.19%	14.96%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.05%	19.70%	-1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.90%	19.60%	+2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.14%	19.60%	+4.54%

FYX vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FYX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

FYX vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

FYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than ASCE's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.89%	0.64%	1.62%	1.22%	0.95%	0.99%	0.65%	1.12%	1.08%	0.60%	0.94%	0.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FYX and ASCE in my portfolio?

FYX and ASCE have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FYX or ASCE?

ASCE has higher volatility (6.22%) compared to FYX (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FYX dropped -61.80% vs ASCE's -9.22%.

Which ETF is better, FYX or ASCE?

On 1-year performance, FYX leads with 46.93% vs 38.53% for ASCE. On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, FYX has been the lower-risk option at 3.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FYX or ASCE?

Over the 1-year period, FYX has performed better with a 46.93% return vs 38.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FYX or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FYX.

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

FYX has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.17% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between FYX and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FYX and 0.38% for ASCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.96), 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.