SFCIX vs. ESPAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SFCIX (Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund) and ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - SFCIX 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, SFCIX returned 1.44%/yr vs 8.35%/yr for ESPAX. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. SFCIX charges 0.80%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ESPAX.

Performance

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund (SFCIX) 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, SFCIX achieves a 0.83% return, which is significantly lower than ESPAX's 13.34% return. Over the past 10 years, SFCIX has underperformed ESPAX with an annualized return of 1.44%, while ESPAX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.35% annualized return.

SFCIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 1.12%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 4.15%
• 5Y*: 1.61%
• 10Y*: 1.44%

ESPAX

• 1D: 1.83%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 13.34%
• 6M: 11.05%
• 1Y: 21.24%
• 3Y*: 9.06%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: 8.35%

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

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFCIX Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund	0.83%	6.45%	2.36%	3.90%	-4.93%	-0.01%	1.93%	3.72%	0.60%	2.08%
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	13.34%	-3.10%	6.44%	18.65%	-13.94%	27.61%	1.16%	28.03%	-13.77%	11.08%

Correlation

The correlation between SFCIX and ESPAX is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.12
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 1993	-0.02

The correlation between SFCIX and ESPAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (all time) to 0.19 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SFCIX vs. ESPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFCIX

SFCIX Risk / Return Rank: 73
SFCIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SFCIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SFCIX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
SFCIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SFCIX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

ESPAX

ESPAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
ESPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
ESPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
ESPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
ESPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
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.

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	SFCIX	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.95	1.18	+1.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.73	1.87	+2.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.91	1.21	+0.71
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	1.55	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.57	4.55	+3.02

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFCIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.95, which is higher than the ESPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFCIX 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

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFCIX drawdown since its inception was -7.89%, smaller than the maximum ESPAX drawdown of -61.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFCIX and ESPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFCIX	ESPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.89%	-61.14%	+53.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.73%	-13.58%	+11.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.59%	-24.80%	+22.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.89%	-26.84%	+18.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-7.89%	-43.28%	+35.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	0.00%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.81%	-9.14%	+8.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.56%	4.62%	-4.06%

Volatility

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund (SFCIX) is 0.35%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) has a volatility of 4.92%. This indicates that SFCIX 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

	SFCIX	ESPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.35%	4.92%	-4.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.10%	12.36%	-11.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44%	17.85%	-16.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.15%	20.22%	-18.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.16%	21.42%	-19.26%

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFCIX has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

SFCIX vs. ESPAX - Dividend Comparison

SFCIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, 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%
SFCIX Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund	2.58%	4.33%	2.72%	1.91%	1.55%	1.30%	1.62%	1.96%	1.82%	1.69%	1.62%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFCIX and ESPAX in my portfolio?

SFCIX and ESPAX have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SFCIX or ESPAX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (4.92%) compared to SFCIX (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFCIX dropped -7.89% vs ESPAX's -61.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SFCIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.18), 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.