ESPAX vs. EKWAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) and EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) are both mutual funds - ESPAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, ESPAX returned 8.62%/yr vs 13.51%/yr for EKWAX. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESPAX charges 1.24%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for EKWAX.

Performance

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) and Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPAX achieves a 13.28% return, which is significantly higher than EKWAX's -4.43% return. Over the past 10 years, ESPAX has underperformed EKWAX with an annualized return of 8.62%, while EKWAX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.51% annualized return.

ESPAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 13.28%
• 6M: 11.40%
• 1Y: 19.39%
• 3Y*: 10.00%
• 5Y*: 4.36%
• 10Y*: 8.62%

EKWAX

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -3.90%
• YTD: -4.43%
• 6M: -8.88%
• 1Y: 55.66%
• 3Y*: 46.73%
• 5Y*: 24.40%
• 10Y*: 13.51%

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

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	13.28%	-3.10%	6.44%	18.65%	-13.94%	27.61%	1.16%	28.03%	-13.77%	11.08%
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	-4.43%	163.65%	21.28%	8.83%	-7.75%	-11.00%	24.40%	40.35%	-12.83%	9.66%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPAX and EKWAX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 1998	0.21

The correlation between ESPAX and EKWAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (10 years) to 0.27 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ESPAX vs. EKWAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESPAX

ESPAX Risk / Return Rank: 21
ESPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
ESPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
ESPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ESPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ESPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

EKWAX

EKWAX Risk / Return Rank: 21
EKWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
EKWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
EKWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
EKWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
EKWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) and Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX). 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.

	ESPAX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.27	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.68	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.23	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	1.62	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.60	4.46	+0.14

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the EKWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPAX and EKWAX, 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

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPAX drawdown since its inception was -61.14%, smaller than the maximum EKWAX drawdown of -76.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPAX and EKWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPAX	EKWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.14%	-76.76%	+15.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.58%	-35.67%	+22.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.80%	-35.67%	+10.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.84%	-42.79%	+15.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.28%	-49.23%	+5.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-28.93%	+28.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-32.76%	+23.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.62%	12.91%	-8.29%

Volatility

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) is 4.62%, while Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) has a volatility of 16.91%. This indicates that ESPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EKWAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPAX	EKWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	16.91%	-12.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.36%	38.25%	-25.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.88%	45.62%	-27.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.20%	33.97%	-13.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.42%	33.34%	-11.92%

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPAX has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than EKWAX's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPAX vs. EKWAX - Dividend Comparison

ESPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.29%, more than EKWAX's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	1.25%	1.19%	0.84%	0.00%	2.01%	1.35%	1.45%	0.11%	0.00%	1.34%	1.11%	0.00%
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	7.29%	8.26%	10.10%	2.07%	6.24%	6.34%	0.39%	1.68%	7.90%	5.33%	2.25%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPAX and EKWAX in my portfolio?

ESPAX and EKWAX have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESPAX or EKWAX?

EKWAX has higher volatility (16.91%) compared to ESPAX (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPAX dropped -61.14% vs EKWAX's -76.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EKWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.19), 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.