SCTAX vs. ESPAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SCTAX (Allspring California Tax-Free Fund) and ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - SCTAX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while ESPAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, SCTAX returned 1.67%/yr vs 8.62%/yr for ESPAX. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. SCTAX charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ESPAX.

Performance

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) and Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX). 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 lower than ESPAX's 13.28% return. Over the past 10 years, SCTAX has underperformed ESPAX with an annualized return of 1.67%, while ESPAX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.62% 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%

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%

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

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - 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%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between SCTAX and ESPAX is 0.14, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 1993	-0.07

The correlation between SCTAX and ESPAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.14 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SCTAX vs. ESPAX — 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

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

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. ESPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) and Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX). 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	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	1.19	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.16	1.89	+2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	1.21	+0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	1.57	+1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.83	4.60	+5.23

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCTAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is higher than the ESPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCTAX and ESPAX, 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. ESPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCTAX drawdown since its inception was -14.93%, smaller than the maximum ESPAX drawdown of -61.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCTAX and ESPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCTAX	ESPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.93%	-61.14%	+46.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.56%	-13.58%	+11.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.40%	-24.80%	+18.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.84%	-26.84%	+12.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.84%	-43.28%	+28.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.05%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-9.13%	+5.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	4.62%	-3.90%

Volatility

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring California Tax-Free Fund (SCTAX) is 0.66%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that SCTAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESPAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCTAX	ESPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.66%	4.62%	-3.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.90%	12.36%	-10.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.72%	17.88%	-15.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.23%	20.20%	-15.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.12%	21.42%	-17.30%

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCTAX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCTAX vs. ESPAX - Dividend Comparison

SCTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.93%, less than ESPAX's 7.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
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 ESPAX in my portfolio?

SCTAX and ESPAX have a correlation of 0.14, 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 ESPAX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to SCTAX (0.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCTAX dropped -14.93% vs ESPAX's -61.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCTAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 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.