ESPRX vs. VRTVX

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

ESPRX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6) and VRTVX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ESPRX returned 9.16%/yr vs 10.84%/yr for VRTVX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ESPRX charges 0.82%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTVX.

Performance

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX) 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, ESPRX achieves a 15.75% return, which is significantly lower than VRTVX's 23.12% return. Over the past 10 years, ESPRX has underperformed VRTVX with an annualized return of 9.16%, while VRTVX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.84% annualized return.

ESPRX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 5.60%
• 6M: 15.75%
• YTD: 15.75%
• 1Y: 16.48%
• 3Y*: 9.76%
• 5Y*: 5.27%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

VRTVX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 3.51%
• 6M: 23.12%
• YTD: 23.12%
• 1Y: 37.87%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 8.20%
• 10Y*: 10.84%

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

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESPRX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6	15.75%	-2.70%	6.89%	19.15%	-13.57%	28.16%	1.56%	29.89%	-13.40%	11.56%
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	23.12%	12.21%	8.07%	14.71%	-14.52%	28.06%	4.81%	22.40%	-12.83%	7.91%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPRX and VRTVX is 0.89, 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	0.89
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 Jan 2, 2015	0.95

The correlation between ESPRX and VRTVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ESPRX vs. VRTVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESPRX

ESPRX Risk / Return Rank: 23
ESPRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
ESPRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
ESPRX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
ESPRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
ESPRX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VRTVX

VRTVX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VRTVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VRTVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VRTVX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VRTVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VRTVX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX) 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.

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.

	ESPRX	VRTVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	2.24	-1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	3.15	-1.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.38	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	4.73	-3.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.98	16.07	-12.09

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is lower than the VRTVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPRX 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.

Drawdowns

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPRX drawdown since its inception was -43.24%, smaller than the maximum VRTVX drawdown of -45.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPRX and VRTVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPRX	VRTVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.24%	-45.98%	+2.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.53%	-8.54%	-4.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.68%	-26.85%	+2.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.46%	-26.85%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.24%	-45.98%	+2.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.27%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.74%	-7.74%	0.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.58%	2.51%	+2.07%

Volatility

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX) is 4.70%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTVX) has a volatility of 5.06%. This indicates that ESPRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPRX	VRTVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	5.06%	-0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.56%	12.47%	+0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.83%	18.11%	-0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.19%	21.65%	-1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.04%	23.67%	-2.63%

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPRX has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPRX vs. VRTVX - Dividend Comparison

ESPRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.26%, more than VRTVX's 1.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPRX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6	7.26%	8.40%	10.20%	2.46%	6.54%	6.59%	0.73%	3.03%	8.25%	5.68%	2.57%	2.80%
VRTVX Vanguard Russell 2000 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.62%	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 ESPRX and VRTVX in my portfolio?

ESPRX and VRTVX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESPRX or VRTVX?

VRTVX has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to ESPRX (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPRX dropped -43.24% vs VRTVX's -45.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.03), 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.