EKWAX vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both funds - EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Over the past 10 years, EKWAX returned 14.99%/yr vs 13.98%/yr for GDX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EKWAX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

EKWAX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EKWAX achieves a 2.44% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return. Over the past 10 years, EKWAX has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 14.99%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.98% annualized return.

EKWAX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 2.44%
• 6M: 10.65%
• 1Y: 67.73%
• 3Y*: 46.98%
• 5Y*: 23.54%
• 10Y*: 14.99%

GDX

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: -0.90%
• 6M: 5.62%
• 1Y: 61.27%
• 3Y*: 41.00%
• 5Y*: 18.69%
• 10Y*: 13.98%

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

EKWAX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	2.44%	163.65%	21.28%	8.83%	-7.75%	-11.00%	24.40%	40.35%	-12.83%	9.66%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between EKWAX and GDX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2006	0.97

The correlation between EKWAX and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EKWAX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EKWAX

EKWAX Risk / Return Rank: 28
EKWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
EKWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
EKWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
EKWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
EKWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

EKWAX vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	EKWAX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.35	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.76	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.25	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	2.00	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.04	5.13	+0.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EKWAX vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EKWAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EKWAX and GDX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EKWAX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.56	1.35	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.52	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.38	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.13	+0.20

Drawdowns

EKWAX vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EKWAX drawdown since its inception was -76.76%, roughly equal to the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKWAX and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EKWAX	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.76%	-80.34%	+3.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.03%	-30.84%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.03%	-30.84%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.79%	-46.51%	+3.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.23%	-49.79%	+0.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.83%	-26.62%	+2.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.77%	-40.43%	+7.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.16%	11.99%	-0.83%

Volatility

EKWAX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) have volatilities of 14.98% and 15.40%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EKWAX	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.98%	15.40%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.67%	37.50%	-1.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.68%	45.49%	-1.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.49%	36.39%	-2.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.07%	37.18%	-4.11%

EKWAX vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EKWAX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

EKWAX vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

EKWAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	1.17%	1.19%	0.84%	0.00%	2.01%	1.35%	1.45%	0.11%	0.00%	1.34%	1.11%	0.00%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EKWAX and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, EKWAX and GDX 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, EKWAX or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to EKWAX (14.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EKWAX dropped -76.76% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EKWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.35), 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.