WFDDX vs. BARAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

WFDDX (Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund) and BARAX (Baron Asset Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, WFDDX returned 12.77%/yr vs 10.44%/yr for BARAX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WFDDX charges 1.11%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BARAX.

Performance

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) and Baron Asset Fund (BARAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WFDDX achieves a 14.24% return, which is significantly higher than BARAX's -4.46% return. Over the past 10 years, WFDDX has outperformed BARAX with an annualized return of 12.77%, while BARAX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.44% annualized return.

WFDDX

• 1D: -0.83%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 6M: 11.86%
• 1Y: 20.49%
• 3Y*: 14.34%
• 5Y*: 1.41%
• 10Y*: 12.77%

BARAX

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: -4.46%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: -1.20%
• 3Y*: 7.99%
• 5Y*: 1.56%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

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

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WFDDX Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund	14.24%	5.51%	18.05%	20.25%	-37.83%	-6.10%	61.81%	61.34%	-6.95%	29.27%
BARAX Baron Asset Fund	-4.46%	7.89%	10.35%	17.05%	-26.06%	13.88%	32.98%	37.64%	-0.15%	26.18%

Correlation

The correlation between WFDDX and BARAX is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2005	0.90

Over the past year, the correlation between WFDDX and BARAX has dropped to 0.68 - well below their long-term average of 0.90, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

WFDDX vs. BARAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WFDDX

WFDDX Risk / Return Rank: 16
WFDDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
WFDDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
WFDDX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
WFDDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
WFDDX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

BARAX

BARAX Risk / Return Rank: 3
BARAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BARAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BARAX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BARAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BARAX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) and Baron Asset Fund (BARAX). 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.

	WFDDX	BARAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	-0.00	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	0.11	+1.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.01	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	-0.00	+1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.29	-0.01	+5.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WFDDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is higher than the BARAX Sharpe Ratio of -0.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WFDDX and BARAX, 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

	WFDDX	BARAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.03	-0.00	+1.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.08	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.53	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.49	-0.08

Drawdowns

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WFDDX drawdown since its inception was -59.22%, roughly equal to the maximum BARAX drawdown of -59.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WFDDX and BARAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WFDDX	BARAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.22%	-59.71%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.77%	-10.75%	-4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.05%	-17.82%	-9.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.22%	-37.53%	-21.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.22%	-37.53%	-21.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.91%	-5.93%	-17.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.27%	-11.42%	-4.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	5.22%	-1.20%

Volatility

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) has a higher volatility of 6.20% compared to Baron Asset Fund (BARAX) at 3.34%. This indicates that WFDDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BARAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WFDDX	BARAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.20%	3.34%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.70%	10.80%	+5.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.66%	14.76%	+5.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.34%	19.46%	+13.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.24%	19.79%	+9.45%

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WFDDX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is lower than BARAX's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

WFDDX vs. BARAX - Dividend Comparison

WFDDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.03%, more than BARAX's 12.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BARAX Baron Asset Fund	12.04%	11.51%	19.23%	3.48%	0.01%	7.65%	3.05%	1.78%	7.42%	7.25%	4.88%	11.50%
WFDDX Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund	15.03%	17.17%	9.33%	0.00%	1.35%	36.45%	4.93%	26.87%	19.12%	17.95%	1.32%	8.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WFDDX and BARAX in my portfolio?

WFDDX and BARAX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WFDDX or BARAX?

WFDDX has higher volatility (6.20%) compared to BARAX (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WFDDX dropped -59.22% vs BARAX's -59.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WFDDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.03 vs -0.00), 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.