ISMD vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. ISMD is passively managed, while AFSC is actively managed. Over the past year, ISMD returned 38.78% vs 34.76% for AFSC. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISMD charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

ISMD vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). 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 ISMD having a 25.15% return and AFSC slightly lower at 24.40%.

ISMD

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 25.15%
• 6M: 22.92%
• 1Y: 38.78%
• 3Y*: 17.34%
• 5Y*: 8.35%
• 10Y*: —

AFSC

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: 6.74%
• YTD: 24.40%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 34.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISMD vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	25.15%	2.80%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	24.40%	2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between ISMD and AFSC is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2025	0.86

The correlation between ISMD and AFSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ISMD vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 71
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 63
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 73

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 65
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 53
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

ISMD vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) 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.

	ISMD	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.84	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	2.60	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.04	3.40	+0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.71	12.89	-0.19

ISMD vs. AFSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the AFSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISMD and AFSC, 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

ISMD vs. AFSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISMD drawdown since its inception was -44.60%, which is greater than AFSC's maximum drawdown of -21.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISMD and AFSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISMD	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.60%	-21.93%	-22.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.64%	-10.29%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.64%	-1.29%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.13%	-4.12%	-4.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	2.70%	+0.36%

Volatility

ISMD vs. AFSC - Volatility Comparison

Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) have volatilities of 5.66% and 5.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISMD	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	5.46%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.05%	14.59%	-1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.76%	19.01%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.88%	22.51%	-1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.72%	22.51%	+1.21%

ISMD vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISMD has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISMD vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

ISMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, more than AFSC's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.06%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.92%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISMD and AFSC in my portfolio?

ISMD and AFSC have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISMD or AFSC?

ISMD has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to AFSC (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISMD dropped -44.60% vs AFSC's -21.93%.

Which ETF is better, ISMD or AFSC?

On 1-year performance, ISMD leads with 38.78% vs 34.76% for AFSC. On fees, ISMD is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, AFSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISMD or AFSC?

Over the 1-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 38.78% return vs 34.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISMD or AFSC?

ISMD is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

ISMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.92%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between ISMD and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: Inspire and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for ISMD and 0.65% for AFSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.84), 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.