WMBFX vs. ESPAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WMBFX (Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund) and ESPAX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - WMBFX is a Diversified Portfolio 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, WMBFX returned 5.77%/yr vs 8.62%/yr for ESPAX. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WMBFX charges 1.50%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for ESPAX.

Performance

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund (WMBFX) 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, WMBFX achieves a 7.59% return, which is significantly lower than ESPAX's 13.28% return. Over the past 10 years, WMBFX has underperformed ESPAX with an annualized return of 5.77%, while ESPAX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.62% annualized return.

WMBFX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 7.59%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 16.63%
• 3Y*: 10.36%
• 5Y*: 4.12%
• 10Y*: 5.77%

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)

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WMBFX Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund	7.59%	11.39%	6.59%	9.45%	-15.07%	7.64%	14.95%	13.72%	-5.67%	10.27%
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 WMBFX and ESPAX is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 3, 2012	0.72

The correlation between WMBFX and ESPAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WMBFX vs. ESPAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WMBFX

WMBFX Risk / Return Rank: 67
WMBFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
WMBFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
WMBFX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
WMBFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
WMBFX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund (WMBFX) 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.

	WMBFX	ESPAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.19	+0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	1.89	+1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.21	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.00	1.57	+2.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.17	4.60	+7.57

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WMBFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the ESPAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WMBFX 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

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WMBFX drawdown since its inception was -19.15%, smaller than the maximum ESPAX drawdown of -61.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WMBFX and ESPAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WMBFX	ESPAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.15%	-61.14%	+41.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.26%	-13.58%	+9.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.57%	-24.80%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.15%	-26.84%	+7.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.15%	-43.28%	+24.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.05%	-0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-9.13%	+4.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.40%	4.62%	-3.22%

Volatility

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund (WMBFX) is 3.44%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund (ESPAX) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that WMBFX 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

	WMBFX	ESPAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.44%	4.62%	-1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.07%	12.36%	-6.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.00%	17.88%	-9.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.63%	20.20%	-12.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.25%	21.42%	-14.17%

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WMBFX has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPAX's 1.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

WMBFX vs. ESPAX - Dividend Comparison

WMBFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, less 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%
WMBFX Allspring Spectrum Conservative Growth Fund	2.04%	2.20%	1.97%	2.60%	5.57%	9.26%	9.32%	2.29%	8.93%	9.55%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WMBFX and ESPAX in my portfolio?

WMBFX and ESPAX have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WMBFX or ESPAX?

ESPAX has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to WMBFX (3.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WMBFX dropped -19.15% vs ESPAX's -61.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WMBFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 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.