WFSTX vs. EKWAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WFSTX (Allspring Specialized Technology Fund) and EKWAX (Allspring Precious Metals Fund) are both mutual funds - WFSTX is a Technology Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while EKWAX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, WFSTX returned 16.51%/yr vs 14.99%/yr for EKWAX. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WFSTX charges 1.25%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for EKWAX.

Performance

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Specialized Technology Fund (WFSTX) 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, WFSTX achieves a 7.95% return, which is significantly higher than EKWAX's 2.44% return. Over the past 10 years, WFSTX has outperformed EKWAX with an annualized return of 16.51%, while EKWAX has yielded a comparatively lower 14.99% annualized return.

WFSTX

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 5.67%
• YTD: 7.95%
• 6M: 5.74%
• 1Y: 5.66%
• 3Y*: 13.31%
• 5Y*: 3.83%
• 10Y*: 16.51%

EKWAX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: 2.44%
• 6M: 10.65%
• 1Y: 67.73%
• 3Y*: 46.98%
• 5Y*: 23.54%
• 10Y*: 14.99%

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

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WFSTX Allspring Specialized Technology Fund	7.95%	2.16%	16.33%	34.74%	-38.71%	12.64%	66.34%	41.93%	7.59%	43.02%
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	2.44%	163.65%	21.28%	8.83%	-7.75%	-11.00%	24.40%	40.35%	-12.83%	9.66%

Correlation

The correlation between WFSTX and EKWAX is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 18, 2000	0.20

The correlation between WFSTX and EKWAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (10 years) to 0.32 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WFSTX vs. EKWAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WFSTX

WFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 5
WFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
WFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
WFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
WFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
WFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

EKWAX

EKWAX Risk / Return Rank: 28
EKWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
EKWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
EKWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
EKWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
EKWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Specialized Technology Fund (WFSTX) 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.

	WFSTX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.56	-1.23
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.58	1.94	-1.35
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.28	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	2.33	-2.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.81	6.04	-5.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the EKWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WFSTX 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

	WFSTX	EKWAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33	1.56	-1.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13	0.71	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.45	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.33	-0.04

Drawdowns

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WFSTX drawdown since its inception was -79.88%, roughly equal to the maximum EKWAX drawdown of -76.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WFSTX and EKWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WFSTX	EKWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.88%	-76.76%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.95%	-29.03%	+9.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.83%	-29.03%	+7.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.84%	-42.79%	-12.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.84%	-49.23%	-5.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.64%	-23.83%	+4.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.88%	-32.77%	+2.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.77%	11.16%	-3.39%

Volatility

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Specialized Technology Fund (WFSTX) is 4.85%, while Allspring Precious Metals Fund (EKWAX) has a volatility of 14.98%. This indicates that WFSTX 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

	WFSTX	EKWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.85%	14.98%	-10.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.04%	35.67%	-20.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.07%	43.68%	-24.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.93%	33.49%	-4.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.18%	33.07%	-5.89%

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WFSTX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than EKWAX's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

WFSTX vs. EKWAX - Dividend Comparison

WFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.74%, more than EKWAX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EKWAX Allspring Precious Metals Fund	1.17%	1.19%	0.84%	0.00%	2.01%	1.35%	1.45%	0.11%	0.00%	1.34%	1.11%	0.00%
WFSTX Allspring Specialized Technology Fund	15.74%	16.99%	8.44%	0.00%	28.92%	28.84%	14.82%	17.25%	24.40%	7.65%	6.03%	13.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WFSTX and EKWAX in my portfolio?

WFSTX and EKWAX have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WFSTX or EKWAX?

EKWAX has higher volatility (14.98%) compared to WFSTX (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WFSTX dropped -79.88% vs EKWAX's -76.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EKWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 0.33), 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.