MSSM vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity 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. MSSM charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

MSSM vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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, MSSM achieves a 17.34% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

MSSM

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 17.18%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 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)

MSSM vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	17.34%	9.71%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSM 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

MSSM vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 67
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

MSSM vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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.

	MSSM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.75	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.47	—	—
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

	MSSM	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	1.92	-1.19

Drawdowns

MSSM vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSM drawdown since its inception was -24.18%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSM and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSM	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.18%	-9.22%	-14.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.38%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.67%	-2.10%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MSSM	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.76%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.27%	19.25%	-1.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	19.25%	+1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	19.25%	+1.66%

MSSM vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSM has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSM vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.69%	3.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSM and ASCE in my portfolio?

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

On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSSM or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

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

MSSM has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between MSSM and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for MSSM and 0.38% for ASCE.