VTWO vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VTWO (Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. VTWO is passively managed, while AFSC is actively managed. Over the past year, VTWO returned 42.69% vs 38.56% for AFSC. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTWO charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

VTWO vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) 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, VTWO achieves a 21.95% return, which is significantly lower than AFSC's 27.72% return.

VTWO

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 21.95%
• 6M: 18.83%
• 1Y: 42.69%
• 3Y*: 19.86%
• 5Y*: 6.69%
• 10Y*: 12.24%

AFSC

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: 7.72%
• YTD: 27.72%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 38.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTWO vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	21.95%	10.36%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	27.72%	2.33%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

VTWO vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTWO

VTWO Risk / Return Rank: 78
VTWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VTWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
VTWO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VTWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VTWO Martin Ratio Rank: 81

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 74
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 62
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
AFSC 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.

VTWO vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) 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.

	VTWO	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.04	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	2.84	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.34	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	3.77	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.83	14.31	-0.47

VTWO vs. AFSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTWO Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the AFSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTWO 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

VTWO vs. AFSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTWO drawdown since its inception was -41.19%, which is greater than AFSC's maximum drawdown of -21.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTWO and AFSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTWO	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.19%	-21.93%	-19.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.99%	-10.29%	-0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.57%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.36%	-4.09%	-4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.70%	+0.39%

Volatility

VTWO vs. AFSC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) has a higher volatility of 6.32% compared to abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) at 5.47%. This indicates that VTWO'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

	VTWO	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	5.47%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.25%	14.65%	-0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.63%	19.02%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.56%	22.50%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.10%	22.50%	+0.60%

VTWO vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTWO has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTWO vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

VTWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than AFSC's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	1.08%	1.25%	1.21%	1.45%	1.48%	1.13%	0.92%	1.36%	1.41%	1.18%	1.27%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTWO and AFSC in my portfolio?

VTWO 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, VTWO or AFSC?

VTWO has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to AFSC (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTWO dropped -41.19% vs AFSC's -21.93%.

Which ETF is better, VTWO or AFSC?

On 1-year performance, VTWO leads with 42.69% vs 38.56% for AFSC. On fees, VTWO is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, AFSC has been the lower-risk option at 5.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTWO or AFSC?

Over the 1-year period, VTWO has performed better with a 42.69% return vs 38.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTWO or AFSC?

VTWO is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

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

VTWO has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 0.06% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between VTWO and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VTWO and 0.65% for AFSC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.04), 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.