SGOL vs. ASCI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) and ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SGOL is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt), while ASCI is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund actively managed by abrdn. SGOL is passively managed, while ASCI is actively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SGOL charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ASCI.

Performance

SGOL vs. ASCI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SGOL achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly lower than ASCI's 7.39% return.

SGOL

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -1.67%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 5.51%
• 1Y: 32.27%
• 3Y*: 31.36%
• 5Y*: 18.40%
• 10Y*: 13.32%

ASCI

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: 7.39%
• 6M: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SGOL vs. ASCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	2.97%	-1.58%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	7.39%	1.11%

Correlation

The correlation between SGOL and ASCI is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

SGOL vs. ASCI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 32
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SGOL Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

SGOL vs. ASCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) 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.

	SGOL	ASCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.20	—	—
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

	SGOL	ASCI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.77	-0.22

Drawdowns

SGOL vs. ASCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGOL drawdown since its inception was -45.51%, which is greater than ASCI's maximum drawdown of -11.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGOL and ASCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGOL	ASCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.51%	-11.22%	-34.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-21.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.72%	-2.85%	-14.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.41%	-2.39%	-16.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.71%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SGOL	ASCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.93%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.33%	18.68%	+7.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.89%	18.68%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.91%	18.68%	-2.77%

SGOL vs. ASCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SGOL has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCI's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SGOL vs. ASCI - Dividend Comparison

SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ASCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.75%	0.80%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SGOL and ASCI in my portfolio?

SGOL and ASCI have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SGOL or ASCI?

On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGOL or ASCI?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

ASCI has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between SGOL and ASCI?

SGOL is categorized as Precious Metals, while ASCI is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for SGOL and 0.70% for ASCI.