WFPAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WFPAX (Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - WFPAX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, WFPAX returned 10.44%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WFPAX charges 1.12%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - 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 Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WFPAX achieves a 10.37% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, WFPAX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 10.44%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

WFPAX

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: 2.20%
• YTD: 10.37%
• 6M: 8.91%
• 1Y: 17.51%
• 3Y*: 11.12%
• 5Y*: 8.54%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WFPAX Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A	10.37%	5.81%	11.58%	9.17%	-4.95%	28.14%	2.93%	39.96%	-13.42%	10.82%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between WFPAX and VFIAX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2007	0.88

Over the past year, the correlation between WFPAX and VFIAX has dropped to 0.65 - well below their long-term average of 0.88, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

WFPAX vs. VFIAX — 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: 22
WFPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
WFPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
WFPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
WFPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. VFIAX - 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 Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	2.15	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	2.91	-1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	3.01	-1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.06	13.60	-7.54

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WFPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is lower than the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WFPAX and VFIAX, 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. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WFPAX drawdown since its inception was -56.20%, roughly equal to the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WFPAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WFPAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.20%	-55.20%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-8.90%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-18.75%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.55%	-24.53%	+1.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.81%	-33.83%	-9.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-1.72%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.92%	-9.38%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	1.97%	+0.98%

Volatility

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A (WFPAX) is 4.20%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that WFPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WFPAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	4.67%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	9.84%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.19%	12.50%	+1.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	16.99%	+0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	18.11%	+0.84%

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WFPAX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

WFPAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

WFPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.31%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
WFPAX Allspring Special Mid Cap Value Fund - Class A	10.31%	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 VFIAX in my portfolio?

WFPAX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.65, 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 VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to WFPAX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WFPAX dropped -56.20% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.26), 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.