PSC vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

PSC (Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. PSC is passively managed, while AFSC is actively managed. Over the past year, PSC returned 32.70% vs 37.97% for AFSC. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSC charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

PSC vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSC achieves a 17.82% return, which is significantly lower than AFSC's 25.55% return.

PSC

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: 6.17%
• YTD: 17.82%
• 6M: 15.75%
• 1Y: 32.70%
• 3Y*: 18.63%
• 5Y*: 9.67%
• 10Y*: —

AFSC

• 1D: 2.25%
• 1M: 8.50%
• YTD: 25.55%
• 6M: 21.58%
• 1Y: 37.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSC vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	17.82%	8.36%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	25.55%	2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between PSC and AFSC is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2025	0.91

The correlation between PSC and AFSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSC vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSC

PSC Risk / Return Rank: 57
PSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
PSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PSC Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PSC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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: 74
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.

PSC vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) 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.

	PSC	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.96	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.75	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	3.62	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.42	13.74	-2.32

PSC vs. AFSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the AFSC Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSC 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

PSC vs. AFSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSC drawdown since its inception was -46.69%, which is greater than AFSC's maximum drawdown of -21.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSC and AFSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSC	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.69%	-21.93%	-24.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.95%	-10.29%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.24%	-4.14%	-4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.70%	+0.15%

Volatility

PSC vs. AFSC - Volatility Comparison

Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) has a higher volatility of 5.71% compared to abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) at 5.43%. This indicates that PSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AFSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSC	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	5.43%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.36%	14.58%	-1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.95%	18.98%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.03%	22.55%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.29%	22.55%	+0.74%

PSC vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSC has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSC vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

PSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, more than AFSC's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%	0.00%
PSC Principal U.S. Small Cap Multi-Factor ETF	0.57%	0.67%	0.75%	0.73%	1.92%	1.45%	1.25%	1.47%	1.30%	0.95%	0.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSC and AFSC in my portfolio?

PSC and AFSC have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSC or AFSC?

PSC has higher volatility (5.71%) compared to AFSC (5.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSC dropped -46.69% vs AFSC's -21.93%.

Which ETF is better, PSC or AFSC?

On 1-year performance, AFSC leads with 37.97% vs 32.70% for PSC. On fees, PSC is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, AFSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSC or AFSC?

Over the 1-year period, AFSC has performed better with a 37.97% return vs 32.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSC or AFSC?

PSC is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

PSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between PSC and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for PSC and 0.65% for AFSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.72), 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.