SCTAX vs. EKWAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCTAX (Allspring California Tax-Free Fund) and EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) are both mutual funds - SCTAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, SCTAX returned 1.67%/yr vs 13.51%/yr for EKWAX. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCTAX charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for EKWAX.

Performance

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) 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, SCTAX achieves a 1.61% return, which is significantly higher than EKWAX's -4.43% return. Over the past 10 years, SCTAX has underperformed EKWAX with an annualized return of 1.67%, while EKWAX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.51% annualized return.

SCTAX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.44%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 6.82%
• 3Y*: 4.37%
• 5Y*: 0.82%
• 10Y*: 1.67%

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)

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCTAX Allspring California Tax-Free Fund	1.61%	5.40%	2.73%	5.17%	-10.48%	1.42%	4.10%	7.25%	0.54%	5.05%
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 SCTAX and EKWAX is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 1998	0.09

The correlation between SCTAX and EKWAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SCTAX vs. EKWAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCTAX

SCTAX Risk / Return Rank: 76
SCTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SCTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SCTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SCTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SCTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) 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.

	SCTAX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	1.27	+1.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.16	1.68	+2.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	1.23	+0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	1.62	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.83	4.46	+5.37

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCTAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is higher than the EKWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCTAX 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

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCTAX drawdown since its inception was -14.93%, smaller than the maximum EKWAX drawdown of -76.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCTAX and EKWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCTAX	EKWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.93%	-76.76%	+61.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.56%	-35.67%	+33.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.40%	-35.67%	+29.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.84%	-42.79%	+27.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.84%	-49.23%	+34.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-28.93%	+28.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-32.76%	+29.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	12.91%	-12.19%

Volatility

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) is 0.66%, while Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) has a volatility of 16.91%. This indicates that SCTAX 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

	SCTAX	EKWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.66%	16.91%	-16.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.90%	38.25%	-36.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72%	45.62%	-42.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.23%	33.97%	-29.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.12%	33.34%	-29.22%

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCTAX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than EKWAX's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCTAX vs. EKWAX - Dividend Comparison

SCTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.93%, 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%
SCTAX Allspring California Tax-Free Fund	3.93%	6.54%	3.83%	2.90%	2.72%	2.33%	2.74%	3.31%	3.27%	3.03%	3.03%	3.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCTAX and EKWAX in my portfolio?

SCTAX and EKWAX have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCTAX or EKWAX?

EKWAX has higher volatility (16.91%) compared to SCTAX (0.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCTAX dropped -14.93% vs EKWAX's -76.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 1.27), 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.