SMDX vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMDX (Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMDX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

SMDX vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) 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, SMDX achieves a 13.72% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.25% return.

SMDX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 13.72%
• 6M: 13.55%
• 1Y: 28.25%
• 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)

SMDX vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	13.72%	7.51%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDX and ASCE is 0.89, 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	0.89

Return for Risk

SMDX vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDX

SMDX Risk / Return Rank: 57
SMDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SMDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SMDX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SMDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SMDX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

SMDX vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) 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.

	SMDX	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.40	—	—
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

	SMDX	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	1.92	-0.82

Drawdowns

SMDX vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDX drawdown since its inception was -14.52%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDX and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDX	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.52%	-9.22%	-5.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.38%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.39%	-2.10%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMDX	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.50%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.56%	19.25%	-2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	19.25%	+1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.19%	19.25%	+1.94%

SMDX vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDX vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

SMDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%
SMDX Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF	0.53%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMDX and ASCE in my portfolio?

SMDX and ASCE have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMDX or ASCE?

On fees, SMDX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDX or ASCE?

SMDX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

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

SMDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between SMDX and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Intech and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SMDX and 0.38% for ASCE.