WFPAX vs. ESPAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WFPAX (Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A) and ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - WFPAX is a Mid Cap Value Equities 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, WFPAX returned 10.75%/yr vs 8.62%/yr for ESPAX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WFPAX charges 1.12%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ESPAX.

Performance

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A (WFPAX) 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, WFPAX achieves a 10.76% return, which is significantly lower than ESPAX's 13.28% return. Over the past 10 years, WFPAX has outperformed ESPAX with an annualized return of 10.75%, while ESPAX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.62% annualized return.

WFPAX

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 2.56%
• YTD: 10.76%
• 6M: 9.41%
• 1Y: 17.00%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 8.21%
• 10Y*: 10.75%

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)

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WFPAX Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A	10.76%	5.81%	11.58%	9.17%	-4.95%	28.14%	2.93%	39.96%	-13.42%	10.82%
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 WFPAX and ESPAX is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2007	0.92

The correlation between WFPAX and ESPAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WFPAX vs. ESPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WFPAX

WFPAX Risk / Return Rank: 25
WFPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
WFPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
WFPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
WFPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
WFPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A (WFPAX) 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.

	WFPAX	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.19	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	1.89	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.21	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.57	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.08	4.60	+1.49

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WFPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the ESPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WFPAX 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

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WFPAX drawdown since its inception was -56.20%, smaller than the maximum ESPAX drawdown of -61.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WFPAX and ESPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WFPAX	ESPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.20%	-61.14%	+4.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-13.58%	+3.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-24.80%	+6.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.55%	-26.84%	+4.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.81%	-43.28%	-0.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.05%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.91%	-9.13%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	4.62%	-1.67%

Volatility

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A (WFPAX) is 3.99%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that WFPAX 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

	WFPAX	ESPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	4.62%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.72%	12.36%	-1.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.22%	17.88%	-3.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.25%	20.20%	-2.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	21.42%	-2.47%

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WFPAX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

WFPAX vs. ESPAX - Dividend Comparison

WFPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.27%, more 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%
WFPAX Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A	10.27%	11.38%	7.97%	5.39%	8.69%	9.86%	0.36%	7.38%	2.40%	4.14%	1.08%	4.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WFPAX and ESPAX in my portfolio?

WFPAX and ESPAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WFPAX or ESPAX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to WFPAX (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WFPAX dropped -56.20% vs ESPAX's -61.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WFPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 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.