EKJAX vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EKJAX (Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, EKJAX returned 16.97%/yr vs 18.39%/yr for VONG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EKJAX charges 1.11%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.

Performance

EKJAX vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund (EKJAX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EKJAX achieves a 6.79% return, which is significantly higher than VONG's 1.56% return. Over the past 10 years, EKJAX has underperformed VONG with an annualized return of 16.97%, while VONG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.39% annualized return.

EKJAX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 2.86%
• YTD: 6.79%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 16.88%
• 3Y*: 23.31%
• 5Y*: 8.98%
• 10Y*: 16.97%

VONG

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: -3.99%
• YTD: 1.56%
• 6M: 0.27%
• 1Y: 18.03%
• 3Y*: 21.88%
• 5Y*: 13.07%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

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

EKJAX vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EKJAX Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund	6.79%	16.28%	36.91%	33.14%	-33.88%	13.07%	39.03%	45.22%	1.13%	34.03%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	1.56%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EKJAX and VONG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.94

The correlation between EKJAX and VONG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EKJAX vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

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

EKJAX

EKJAX Risk / Return Rank: 13
EKJAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
EKJAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
EKJAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
EKJAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
EKJAX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 29
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

EKJAX vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund (EKJAX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	EKJAX	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.12	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	1.58	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.20	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.02	1.12	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.24	3.64	-0.39

EKJAX vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EKJAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is comparable to the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EKJAX and VONG, 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

EKJAX vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EKJAX drawdown since its inception was -59.70%, which is greater than VONG's maximum drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKJAX and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	EKJAX	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.70%	-32.72%	-26.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.10%	-16.23%	-1.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.48%	-23.27%	-2.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.43%	-32.72%	-17.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.43%	-32.72%	-17.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-6.82%	+6.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.54%	-4.88%	-15.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.70%	4.97%	+0.73%

Volatility

EKJAX vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund (EKJAX) has a higher volatility of 7.36% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) at 6.04%. This indicates that EKJAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EKJAX	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.36%	6.04%	+1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.28%	12.59%	+2.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.18%	16.17%	+3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.09%	21.45%	+6.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.48%	20.92%	+4.56%

EKJAX vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

EKJAX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

EKJAX vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

EKJAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 30.35%, more than VONG's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKJAX Allspring Premier Large Company Growth Fund	30.35%	32.41%	20.46%	40.04%	0.00%	27.04%	12.00%	16.22%	21.24%	28.36%	11.30%	7.21%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.47%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EKJAX and VONG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, EKJAX and VONG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, EKJAX or VONG?

EKJAX has higher volatility (7.36%) compared to VONG (6.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EKJAX dropped -59.70% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VONG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs 0.97), 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.