GSC vs. ASCE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

GSC (Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GSC returned 30.42% vs 36.63% for ASCE. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GSC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

GSC vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) 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, GSC achieves a 22.25% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 25.79% return.

GSC

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 1.86%
• 6M: 14.87%
• YTD: 22.25%
• 1Y: 30.42%
• 3Y*: 28.58%
• 5Y*: 22.84%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

ASCE

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -2.51%
• 6M: 19.63%
• YTD: 25.79%
• 1Y: 36.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GSC vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GSC Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF	22.25%	7.38%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	25.79%	8.46%

Correlation

The correlation between GSC and ASCE is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.77

The correlation between GSC and ASCE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GSC vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSC

GSC Risk / Return Rank: 48
GSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
GSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
GSC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
GSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
GSC Martin Ratio Rank: 20

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 77
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

GSC vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) 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.

	GSC	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	1.87	-1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	2.71	+1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.99	1.31	+0.67
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	3.99	-3.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.80	12.48	-10.67

GSC vs. ASCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSC Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is lower than the ASCE Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSC 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

GSC vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSC drawdown since its inception was -88.63%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSC and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSC	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.63%	-9.22%	-79.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-58.25%	-9.22%	-49.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.39%	-4.17%	-23.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-59.09%	-2.03%	-57.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.92%	2.94%	+13.98%

Volatility

GSC vs. ASCE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) is 6.37%, while Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a volatility of 7.16%. This indicates that GSC 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

	GSC	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.37%	7.16%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	125.43%	14.91%	+110.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	404.63%	19.75%	+384.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	218.83%	19.65%	+199.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	160.44%	19.65%	+140.79%

GSC vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSC vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

GSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than ASCE's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%
GSC Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF	0.13%	0.16%	0.66%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSC and ASCE in my portfolio?

GSC and ASCE have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSC or ASCE?

ASCE has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to GSC (6.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSC dropped -88.63% vs ASCE's -9.22%.

Which ETF is better, GSC or ASCE?

On 1-year performance, ASCE leads with 36.63% vs 30.42% for GSC. On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, GSC has been the lower-risk option at 6.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSC or ASCE?

Over the 1-year period, ASCE has performed better with a 36.63% return vs 30.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSC or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSC.

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

ASCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.13% for GSC.

What is the main difference between GSC and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GSC and 0.38% for ASCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 0.08), 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.