WICIX vs. ESPAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

WICIX (Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund) and ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - WICIX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while ESPAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 5 years, WICIX returned 0.32%/yr vs 2.97%/yr for ESPAX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WICIX charges 1.05%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ESPAX.

Performance

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund (WICIX) 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, WICIX achieves a 2.85% return, which is significantly lower than ESPAX's 8.39% return.

WICIX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 2.85%
• 6M: 4.19%
• 1Y: 7.39%
• 3Y*: 8.35%
• 5Y*: 0.32%
• 10Y*: —

ESPAX

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: 8.39%
• 6M: 8.05%
• 1Y: 15.13%
• 3Y*: 8.45%
• 5Y*: 2.97%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

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

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
WICIX Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund	2.85%	19.23%	-0.58%	11.84%	-21.38%	12.97%	10.28%	13.65%
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	8.39%	-3.10%	6.44%	18.65%	-13.94%	27.61%	1.16%	15.07%

Correlation

The correlation between WICIX and ESPAX is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2019	0.62

The correlation between WICIX and ESPAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WICIX vs. ESPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WICIX

WICIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
WICIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
WICIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
WICIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
WICIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
WICIX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

ESPAX

ESPAX Risk / Return Rank: 11
ESPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
ESPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
ESPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
ESPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
ESPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund (WICIX) 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.

	WICIX	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	0.82	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	1.35	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.15	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	1.07	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.10	3.13	-1.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WICIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is comparable to the ESPAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WICIX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WICIX	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	0.82	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.02	0.15	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.44	-0.08

Drawdowns

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WICIX drawdown since its inception was -40.70%, smaller than the maximum ESPAX drawdown of -61.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WICIX and ESPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WICIX	ESPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.70%	-61.14%	+20.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.67%	-13.58%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.62%	-24.80%	+9.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.70%	-26.84%	-13.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.28%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.28%	-3.57%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.03%	-9.15%	-4.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	4.64%	-0.66%

Volatility

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund (WICIX) is 3.51%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) has a volatility of 5.04%. This indicates that WICIX 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

	WICIX	ESPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.51%	5.04%	-1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	12.21%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	17.78%	-4.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.53%	20.21%	-4.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.92%	21.40%	-4.48%

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WICIX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

WICIX vs. ESPAX - Dividend Comparison

WICIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.98%, less than ESPAX's 7.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPAX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund	7.62%	8.26%	10.10%	2.07%	6.24%	6.34%	0.39%	1.68%	7.90%	5.33%	2.25%	2.33%
WICIX Allspring Special International Small Cap Fund	4.98%	5.12%	2.52%	1.70%	1.20%	1.36%	0.67%	3.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WICIX and ESPAX in my portfolio?

WICIX and ESPAX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WICIX or ESPAX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to WICIX (3.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WICIX dropped -40.70% vs ESPAX's -61.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.82 vs 0.64), 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.