EKWAX vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both funds - EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 10 years, EKWAX returned 14.09%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for VYM. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EKWAX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

EKWAX vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EKWAX achieves a -2.97% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.70% return. Over the past 10 years, EKWAX has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 14.09%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 12.00% annualized return.

EKWAX

• 1D: -2.67%
• 1M: -2.44%
• YTD: -2.97%
• 6M: -7.15%
• 1Y: 59.76%
• 3Y*: 45.41%
• 5Y*: 24.81%
• 10Y*: 14.09%

VYM

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 11.70%
• 6M: 11.13%
• 1Y: 25.24%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 12.10%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

EKWAX vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	-2.97%	163.65%	21.28%	8.83%	-7.75%	-11.00%	24.40%	40.35%	-12.83%	9.66%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.70%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between EKWAX and VYM is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.24

The correlation between EKWAX and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (10 years) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EKWAX vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

EKWAX

EKWAX Risk / Return Rank: 21
EKWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
EKWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
EKWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
EKWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
EKWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 78
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.

	EKWAX	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	2.44	-1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	3.48	-1.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.44	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	3.79	-2.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.57	14.09	-9.53

EKWAX vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EKWAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EKWAX and VYM, 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

EKWAX vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EKWAX drawdown since its inception was -76.76%, which is greater than VYM's maximum drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EKWAX and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EKWAX	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.76%	-56.98%	-19.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.67%	-6.69%	-28.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.67%	-14.46%	-21.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.79%	-15.84%	-26.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.23%	-35.21%	-14.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.85%	-1.12%	-26.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.76%	-7.18%	-25.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.78%	1.80%	+10.98%

Volatility

EKWAX vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) has a higher volatility of 17.05% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 3.02%. This indicates that EKWAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EKWAX	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.05%	3.02%	+14.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.23%	7.64%	+30.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.53%	10.41%	+35.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.95%	13.93%	+20.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.33%	16.35%	+16.98%

EKWAX vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EKWAX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

EKWAX vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

EKWAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than VYM's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	1.23%	1.19%	0.84%	0.00%	2.01%	1.35%	1.45%	0.11%	0.00%	1.34%	1.11%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.29%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EKWAX and VYM in my portfolio?

EKWAX and VYM have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EKWAX or VYM?

EKWAX has higher volatility (17.05%) compared to VYM (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EKWAX dropped -76.76% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.28), 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.