ASCE vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. ASCE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: ASCEMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricASCESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.38%0.09%
AUM-$789.1B
Dividend Yield-1.01%
Holdings52505
YTD Return+29.24%+13.68%
1Y Return+35.77%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)14.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-9.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllspring Global InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 8, 2025Jan 22, 1993

ASCE vs SPY Performance

Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ASCE returned +35.77% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ASCE is up 29.24% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for ASCE. 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 -9.2% for ASCE 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ASCE charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

ASCE and SPY share 2 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ASCEWeight in SPYDifference
UHS2.12%0.01%2.11%
PHM1.37%0.04%1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ASCE or SPY?

ASCE has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ASCE or SPY?

Over the past year ASCE returned +35.77% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ASCE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ASCE annualized +37.92% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ASCE or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for ASCE. Worst drawdown: ASCE -9.2% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both ASCE and SPY?

ASCE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ASCE and SPY?

ASCE and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.

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