AFSC vs SPY
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.44% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.00% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFSC vs SPY Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AFSC returned +34.00% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, AFSC is up 27.44% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -21.7% for AFSC and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 548 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSC or SPY?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or SPY?
Over the past year AFSC returned +34.00% vs +21.53% for SPY, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +20.29% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or SPY?
AFSC has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFSC and SPY?
AFSC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and SPY?
AFSC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or SPY?
AFSC yields 0.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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