NISM vs. ASCI

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

NISM (NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 means they have usually moved in the same direction. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

NISM vs. ASCI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM) and abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NISM

• 1D: 0.88%
• 1M: 0.67%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

ASCI

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: -0.89%
• 6M: 0.67%
• YTD: 3.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	$158.01K	$112.75K	$100.08K
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	$2.01K	$15.28K	$8.22K

NISM vs. ASCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	-1.67%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	-4.15%

Correlation

The correlation between NISM and ASCI is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

NISM vs. ASCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (NISM) and abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

NISM vs. ASCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NISM drawdown since its inception was -4.35%, smaller than the maximum ASCI drawdown of -11.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NISM and ASCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	NISM	ASCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-11.22%	+6.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.74%	-6.40%	+4.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.84%	-2.82%	+0.98%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NISM	ASCI	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.85%	18.91%	-5.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.85%	18.91%	-5.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.85%	18.91%	-5.06%

NISM vs. ASCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NISM and ASCI have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

NISM vs. ASCI - Dividend Comparison

NISM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than ASCI's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.77%	0.80%
NISM NYLI International Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	0.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NISM and ASCI in my portfolio?

NISM and ASCI have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NISM or ASCI?

Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NISM or ASCI?

NISM and ASCI have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NISM or ASCI?

ASCI has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.24% for NISM.

What is the main difference between NISM and ASCI?

They also come from different issuers: New York Life Investment Management and abrdn.