VB vs. ASCE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VB is passively managed, while ASCE is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ASCE.

Performance

VB vs. ASCE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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, VB achieves a 14.91% return, which is significantly lower than ASCE's 22.72% return.

VB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 16.03%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

ASCE

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 5.53%
• YTD: 22.72%
• 6M: 23.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VB vs. ASCE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	7.41%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.72%	8.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and ASCE 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

VB vs. ASCE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VB vs. ASCE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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.

	VB	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.82	—	—
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

	VB	ASCE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	1.95	-1.51

Drawdowns

VB vs. ASCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than ASCE's maximum drawdown of -9.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and ASCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	ASCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-9.22%	-50.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.44%	-2.10%	-6.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VB	ASCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.73%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	19.29%	-3.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	19.29%	+1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	19.29%	+2.14%

VB vs. ASCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCE's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

VB vs. ASCE - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, more than ASCE's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and ASCE in my portfolio?

VB and ASCE 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 ETF is better, VB or ASCE?

On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or ASCE?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for ASCE.

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

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.18% for ASCE.

What is the main difference between VB and ASCE?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.38% for ASCE.