BRHYX vs. MSFRX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BRHYX (BlackRock High Yield K) and MSFRX (MFS Total Return Fund) are both mutual funds - BRHYX is a High Yield Bonds fund managed by BlackRock, while MSFRX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, BRHYX returned 5.89%/yr vs 7.96%/yr for MSFRX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRHYX charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for MSFRX.

Performance

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock High Yield K (BRHYX) and MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRHYX achieves a 1.38% return, which is significantly lower than MSFRX's 3.29% return. Over the past 10 years, BRHYX has underperformed MSFRX with an annualized return of 5.89%, while MSFRX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.96% annualized return.

BRHYX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.01%
• YTD: 1.38%
• 6M: 2.20%
• 1Y: 7.55%
• 3Y*: 9.26%
• 5Y*: 4.43%
• 10Y*: 5.89%

MSFRX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 1.08%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 6M: 4.86%
• 1Y: 11.70%
• 3Y*: 12.50%
• 5Y*: 6.28%
• 10Y*: 7.96%

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

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRHYX BlackRock High Yield K	1.38%	9.44%	8.65%	13.26%	-11.18%	5.47%	5.98%	15.65%	-2.67%	8.34%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	3.29%	10.98%	14.73%	10.34%	-9.70%	14.00%	9.72%	20.20%	-5.80%	12.18%

Correlation

The correlation between BRHYX and MSFRX is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 1998	0.38

The correlation between BRHYX and MSFRX shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (all time) to 0.59 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BRHYX vs. MSFRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRHYX

BRHYX Risk / Return Rank: 76
BRHYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
BRHYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BRHYX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
BRHYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
BRHYX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

MSFRX

MSFRX Risk / Return Rank: 42
MSFRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MSFRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MSFRX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MSFRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MSFRX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock High Yield K (BRHYX) and MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX). 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.

	BRHYX	MSFRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.79	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	2.72	+1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.33	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	2.45	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.01	7.28	+8.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRHYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the MSFRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRHYX and MSFRX, 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

	BRHYX	MSFRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19	1.79	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.65	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00	0.76	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.23	0.65	+0.58

Drawdowns

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRHYX drawdown since its inception was -34.77%, smaller than the maximum MSFRX drawdown of -37.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRHYX and MSFRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRHYX	MSFRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.77%	-37.28%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.40%	-4.96%	+2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.07%	-8.56%	+4.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.29%	-17.02%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.20%	-24.70%	+1.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-1.86%	+1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.73%	-5.00%	+2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	1.67%	-1.20%

Volatility

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock High Yield K (BRHYX) is 1.05%, while MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) has a volatility of 1.78%. This indicates that BRHYX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSFRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRHYX	MSFRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	1.78%	-0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.68%	4.93%	-2.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.46%	6.78%	-3.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.27%	9.74%	-4.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.93%	10.45%	-4.52%

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRHYX has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than MSFRX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRHYX vs. MSFRX - Dividend Comparison

BRHYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.19%, less than MSFRX's 8.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRHYX BlackRock High Yield K	7.19%	7.14%	7.56%	6.20%	4.98%	4.80%	5.22%	5.82%	6.48%	5.92%	6.03%	6.42%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	8.77%	8.93%	14.87%	6.19%	5.38%	8.33%	6.93%	3.22%	4.99%	5.67%	3.54%	5.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRHYX and MSFRX in my portfolio?

BRHYX and MSFRX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRHYX or MSFRX?

MSFRX has higher volatility (1.78%) compared to BRHYX (1.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRHYX dropped -34.77% vs MSFRX's -37.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRHYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.79), 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.