CSHZX vs. MSXAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CSHZX (MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund) and MSXAX (NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A) are both mutual funds - CSHZX is a Energy Equities fund managed by New York Life, while MSXAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, CSHZX returned 9.96%/yr vs 15.01%/yr for MSXAX. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CSHZX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for MSXAX.

Performance

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund (CSHZX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CSHZX achieves a 21.82% return, which is significantly higher than MSXAX's 9.95% return. Over the past 10 years, CSHZX has underperformed MSXAX with an annualized return of 9.96%, while MSXAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.01% annualized return.

CSHZX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -6.12%
• YTD: 21.82%
• 6M: 23.09%
• 1Y: 22.76%
• 3Y*: 26.26%
• 5Y*: 21.42%
• 10Y*: 9.96%

MSXAX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 9.42%
• 1Y: 26.56%
• 3Y*: 20.36%
• 5Y*: 13.53%
• 10Y*: 15.01%

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

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CSHZX MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund	21.82%	3.69%	41.96%	15.20%	24.20%	38.80%	-28.06%	12.37%	-12.72%	-8.10%
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	9.95%	17.26%	23.98%	25.96%	-18.52%	28.13%	17.86%	30.69%	-4.71%	21.07%

Correlation

The correlation between CSHZX and MSXAX is 0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2010	0.49

Over the past year, the correlation between CSHZX and MSXAX has dropped to 0.01 - well below their long-term average of 0.49, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

CSHZX vs. MSXAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSHZX

CSHZX Risk / Return Rank: 44
CSHZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
CSHZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CSHZX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
CSHZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
CSHZX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

MSXAX

MSXAX Risk / Return Rank: 63
MSXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
MSXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
MSXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
MSXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MSXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund (CSHZX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). 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.

	CSHZX	MSXAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	2.12	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	2.87	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.38	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.42	2.96	+0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	13.30	-5.14

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSHZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the MSXAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSHZX and MSXAX, 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

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSHZX drawdown since its inception was -76.00%, which is greater than MSXAX's maximum drawdown of -55.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSHZX and MSXAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSHZX	MSXAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.00%	-55.48%	-20.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.89%	-8.97%	+2.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.32%	-18.78%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.90%	-24.78%	+4.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.12%	-33.79%	-36.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.38%	-1.36%	-5.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.68%	-7.15%	-11.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	1.99%	+0.89%

Volatility

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Volatility Comparison

MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund (CSHZX) has a higher volatility of 5.28% compared to NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX) at 4.75%. This indicates that CSHZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSXAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSHZX	MSXAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	4.75%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	9.91%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.77%	12.48%	+2.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.03%	17.00%	+3.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.28%	18.11%	+8.17%

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSHZX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than MSXAX's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSHZX vs. MSXAX - Dividend Comparison

CSHZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.79%, more than MSXAX's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSHZX MainStay Cushing MLP Premier Fund	9.79%	11.65%	6.16%	8.16%	8.77%	11.69%	14.40%	8.96%	13.78%	10.72%	10.40%	9.96%
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	0.96%	1.06%	5.20%	4.04%	10.30%	4.44%	8.78%	17.42%	14.49%	15.18%	9.63%	5.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSHZX and MSXAX in my portfolio?

CSHZX and MSXAX have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CSHZX or MSXAX?

CSHZX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to MSXAX (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSHZX dropped -76.00% vs MSXAX's -55.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSXAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.60), 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.