WMBIX vs. ESPRX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WMBIX (Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class) and ESPRX (Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6) are both mutual funds - WMBIX is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index, while ESPRX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Allspring. WMBIX is passively managed, while ESPRX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, WMBIX returned 2.27%/yr vs 8.92%/yr for ESPRX. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. WMBIX charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for ESPRX.

Performance

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class (WMBIX) and Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WMBIX achieves a 1.85% return, which is significantly lower than ESPRX's 13.57% return. Over the past 10 years, WMBIX has underperformed ESPRX with an annualized return of 2.27%, while ESPRX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.92% annualized return.

WMBIX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 1.85%
• 6M: 2.15%
• 1Y: 6.45%
• 3Y*: 3.49%
• 5Y*: 0.88%
• 10Y*: 2.27%

ESPRX

• 1D: 1.83%
• 1M: 4.77%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 6M: 11.29%
• 1Y: 21.73%
• 3Y*: 9.52%
• 5Y*: 5.23%
• 10Y*: 8.92%

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

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WMBIX Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class	1.85%	3.08%	2.47%	5.56%	-8.63%	1.99%	4.21%	7.75%	2.13%	6.27%
ESPRX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6	13.57%	-2.70%	6.89%	19.15%	-13.57%	28.16%	1.56%	29.89%	-13.40%	11.56%

Correlation

The correlation between WMBIX and ESPRX is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2015	-0.05

The correlation between WMBIX and ESPRX shifts across timeframes, from -0.05 (all time) to 0.17 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WMBIX vs. ESPRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WMBIX

WMBIX Risk / Return Rank: 78
WMBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
WMBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
WMBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
WMBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
WMBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

ESPRX

ESPRX Risk / Return Rank: 21
ESPRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
ESPRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
ESPRX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ESPRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
ESPRX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class (WMBIX) and Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX). 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.

	WMBIX	ESPRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.79	1.21	+1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.53	1.91	+2.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.76	1.21	+0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	1.59	+1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.35	4.70	+5.65

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WMBIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.79, which is higher than the ESPRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WMBIX and ESPRX, 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

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WMBIX drawdown since its inception was -16.84%, smaller than the maximum ESPRX drawdown of -43.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WMBIX and ESPRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WMBIX	ESPRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.84%	-43.24%	+26.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.34%	-13.53%	+11.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.37%	-24.68%	+19.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.06%	-26.46%	+13.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.06%	-43.24%	+30.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	0.00%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-7.76%	+5.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.62%	4.58%	-3.96%

Volatility

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class (WMBIX) is 0.62%, while Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6 (ESPRX) has a volatility of 4.93%. This indicates that WMBIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESPRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WMBIX	ESPRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.62%	4.93%	-4.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.80%	12.37%	-10.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	17.87%	-15.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.59%	20.20%	-16.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.68%	21.11%	-17.43%

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WMBIX has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPRX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

WMBIX vs. ESPRX - Dividend Comparison

WMBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.40%, less than ESPRX's 7.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPRX Allspring Special Small Cap Value Fund Class R6	7.40%	8.40%	10.20%	2.46%	6.54%	6.59%	0.73%	3.03%	8.25%	5.68%	2.57%	2.80%
WMBIX Allspring Municipal Bond Fund Institutional Class	3.40%	3.41%	3.36%	2.88%	2.54%	2.25%	2.58%	3.20%	3.36%	3.69%	4.01%	3.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WMBIX and ESPRX in my portfolio?

WMBIX and ESPRX have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WMBIX or ESPRX?

ESPRX has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to WMBIX (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WMBIX dropped -16.84% vs ESPRX's -43.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WMBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 1.21), 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.