SMLL vs. ASCE

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

SMLL (Harbor Active Small Cap ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SMLL returned -0.37% vs 38.05% for ASCE. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMLL charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

SMLL vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) 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, SMLL achieves a 6.05% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 27.10% return.

SMLL

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 1.86%
• 6M: 0.86%
• YTD: 6.05%
• 1Y: -0.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ASCE

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -1.50%
• 6M: 20.96%
• YTD: 27.10%
• 1Y: 38.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SMLL vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	6.05%	-6.14%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	27.10%	8.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SMLL and ASCE is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.73

The correlation between SMLL and ASCE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMLL vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMLL

SMLL Risk / Return Rank: 8
SMLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
SMLL Martin Ratio Rank: 8

ASCE

ASCE Risk / Return Rank: 76
ASCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ASCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
ASCE Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ASCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
ASCE Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

SMLL vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) 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.

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.

	SMLL	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.11	1.85	-1.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.04	2.69	-2.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.31	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.13	3.96	-4.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.26	12.43	-12.68

SMLL vs. ASCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMLL Sharpe Ratio is -0.11, which is lower than the ASCE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMLL and ASCE, 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

SMLL vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMLL drawdown since its inception was -23.56%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMLL and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMLL	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.56%	-9.22%	-14.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.53%	-9.22%	-6.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.82%	-3.18%	-4.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.70%	-2.02%	-6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.77%	2.94%	+4.83%

Volatility

SMLL vs. ASCE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) is 4.79%, while Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) has a volatility of 7.08%. This indicates that SMLL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ASCE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMLL	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.79%	7.08%	-2.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	14.86%	-2.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.58%	19.73%	-2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.18%	19.66%	+0.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.18%	19.66%	+0.52%

SMLL vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMLL has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMLL vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

SMLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.23%, more than ASCE's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.17%	0.22%	0.00%
SMLL Harbor Active Small Cap ETF	2.23%	2.37%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMLL and ASCE in my portfolio?

SMLL and ASCE have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMLL or ASCE?

ASCE has higher volatility (7.08%) compared to SMLL (4.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMLL dropped -23.56% vs ASCE's -9.22%.

Which ETF is better, SMLL or ASCE?

On 1-year performance, ASCE leads with 38.05% vs -0.37% for SMLL. On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, SMLL has been the lower-risk option at 4.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMLL or ASCE?

Over the 1-year period, ASCE has performed better with a 38.05% return vs -0.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMLL or ASCE?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for SMLL.

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

SMLL has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.17% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between SMLL and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Harbor and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for SMLL and 0.38% for ASCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs -0.11), 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.