ESPAX vs. VRTVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) and VRTVX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ESPAX returned 7.95%/yr vs 10.48%/yr for VRTVX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ESPAX charges 1.24%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTVX.

Performance

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPAX achieves a 9.42% return, which is significantly lower than VRTVX's 18.94% return. Over the past 10 years, ESPAX has underperformed VRTVX with an annualized return of 7.95%, while VRTVX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.48% annualized return.

ESPAX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 2.03%
• YTD: 9.42%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 15.57%
• 3Y*: 8.79%
• 5Y*: 3.17%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

VRTVX

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.04%
• YTD: 18.94%
• 6M: 18.07%
• 1Y: 43.21%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: 10.48%

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

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	9.42%	-3.10%	6.44%	18.65%	-13.94%	27.61%	1.16%	28.03%	-13.77%	11.08%
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	18.94%	12.21%	8.07%	14.71%	-14.52%	28.06%	4.81%	22.40%	-12.83%	7.91%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPAX and VRTVX 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	0.94
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 23, 2010	0.96

The correlation between ESPAX and VRTVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ESPAX vs. VRTVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESPAX

ESPAX Risk / Return Rank: 14
ESPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
ESPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
ESPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ESPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
ESPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VRTVX

VRTVX Risk / Return Rank: 78
VRTVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VRTVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VRTVX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VRTVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VRTVX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. VRTVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX). 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.

	ESPAX	VRTVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	2.54	-1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	3.54	-1.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.43	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	5.34	-4.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.78	18.14	-14.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is lower than the VRTVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPAX and VRTVX, 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

	ESPAX	VRTVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99	2.54	-1.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16	0.32	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.44	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.48	-0.04

Drawdowns

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPAX drawdown since its inception was -61.14%, which is greater than VRTVX's maximum drawdown of -45.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPAX and VRTVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPAX	VRTVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.14%	-45.98%	-15.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.58%	-8.54%	-5.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.80%	-26.85%	+2.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.84%	-26.85%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.28%	-45.98%	+2.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.66%	-0.25%	-2.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.15%	-7.78%	-1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.64%	2.51%	+2.13%

Volatility

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) have volatilities of 5.13% and 4.90%, 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

	ESPAX	VRTVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	4.90%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.17%	11.98%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.77%	17.95%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.21%	21.67%	-1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.40%	23.71%	-2.31%

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPAX has a 1.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPAX vs. VRTVX - Dividend Comparison

ESPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.55%, more than VRTVX's 1.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	7.55%	8.26%	10.10%	2.07%	6.24%	6.34%	0.39%	1.68%	7.90%	5.33%	2.25%	2.33%
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.58%	1.49%	1.84%	2.08%	2.15%	1.56%	1.54%	1.87%	2.17%	1.74%	1.52%	2.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPAX and VRTVX in my portfolio?

ESPAX and VRTVX have a correlation of 0.90, 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 VRTVX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to VRTVX (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPAX dropped -61.14% vs VRTVX's -45.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 0.99), 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.