WFDDX vs. EKWAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

WFDDX (Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund) and EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) are both mutual funds - WFDDX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, WFDDX returned 12.77%/yr vs 14.60%/yr for EKWAX. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WFDDX charges 1.11%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for EKWAX.

Performance

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) 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, WFDDX achieves a 14.24% return, which is significantly higher than EKWAX's -1.01% return. Over the past 10 years, WFDDX has underperformed EKWAX with an annualized return of 12.77%, while EKWAX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.60% 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%

EKWAX

• 1D: -3.37%
• 1M: -1.21%
• YTD: -1.01%
• 6M: 6.25%
• 1Y: 61.84%
• 3Y*: 45.31%
• 5Y*: 22.47%
• 10Y*: 14.60%

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

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - 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%
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	-1.01%	163.65%	21.28%	8.83%	-7.75%	-11.00%	24.40%	40.35%	-12.83%	9.66%

Correlation

The correlation between WFDDX and EKWAX is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2005	0.30

The correlation between WFDDX and EKWAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.21 (10 years) to 0.33 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WFDDX vs. EKWAX — 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

EKWAX

EKWAX Risk / Return Rank: 24
EKWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
EKWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
EKWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
EKWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
EKWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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. EKWAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	WFDDX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.43	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	1.83	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.26	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	2.15	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.29	5.52	-0.22
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. EKWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WFDDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is comparable to the EKWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WFDDX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WFDDX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.03	1.43	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.67	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.44	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.32	+0.09

Drawdowns

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WFDDX drawdown since its inception was -59.22%, smaller than the maximum EKWAX drawdown of -76.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WFDDX and EKWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WFDDX	EKWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.22%	-76.76%	+17.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.77%	-29.03%	+14.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.05%	-29.03%	+1.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.22%	-42.79%	-16.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.22%	-49.23%	-9.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.91%	-26.39%	+2.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.27%	-32.77%	+16.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	11.29%	-7.27%

Volatility

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) is 6.20%, while Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) has a volatility of 15.29%. This indicates that WFDDX 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

	WFDDX	EKWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.20%	15.29%	-9.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.70%	35.84%	-19.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.66%	43.51%	-22.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.34%	33.49%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.24%	33.08%	-3.84%

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WFDDX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than EKWAX's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

WFDDX vs. EKWAX - Dividend Comparison

WFDDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.03%, more than EKWAX's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	1.21%	1.19%	0.84%	0.00%	2.01%	1.35%	1.45%	0.11%	0.00%	1.34%	1.11%	0.00%
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 EKWAX in my portfolio?

WFDDX and EKWAX have a correlation of 0.33, 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 EKWAX?

EKWAX has higher volatility (15.29%) compared to WFDDX (6.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WFDDX dropped -59.22% vs EKWAX's -76.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EKWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 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.