DIFIX vs. MDIJX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DIFIX (MFS Diversified Income Fund) and MDIJX (MFS International Diversification Fund) are both mutual funds - DIFIX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS, while MDIJX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, DIFIX returned 4.95%/yr vs 10.42%/yr for MDIJX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DIFIX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for MDIJX.

Performance

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Diversified Income Fund (DIFIX) and MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DIFIX achieves a 4.85% return, which is significantly lower than MDIJX's 10.05% return. Over the past 10 years, DIFIX has underperformed MDIJX with an annualized return of 4.95%, while MDIJX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.42% annualized return.

DIFIX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 6M: 5.42%
• 1Y: 10.89%
• 3Y*: 8.58%
• 5Y*: 3.26%
• 10Y*: 4.95%

MDIJX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 1.87%
• YTD: 10.05%
• 6M: 9.81%
• 1Y: 23.07%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: 7.38%
• 10Y*: 10.42%

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

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIFIX MFS Diversified Income Fund	4.85%	9.73%	4.60%	8.84%	-13.55%	9.26%	2.17%	17.69%	-3.41%	8.94%
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	10.05%	27.84%	6.41%	14.37%	-17.12%	7.69%	15.26%	26.00%	-11.05%	30.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DIFIX and MDIJX is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2006	0.71

The correlation between DIFIX and MDIJX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DIFIX vs. MDIJX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIFIX

DIFIX Risk / Return Rank: 64
DIFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
DIFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
DIFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DIFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
DIFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

MDIJX

MDIJX Risk / Return Rank: 39
MDIJX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MDIJX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MDIJX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
MDIJX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
MDIJX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Diversified Income Fund (DIFIX) and MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX). 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.

	DIFIX	MDIJX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.78	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	2.48	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.33	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	2.04	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.84	7.68	+3.17

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIFIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the MDIJX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIFIX and MDIJX, 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

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIFIX drawdown since its inception was -35.04%, smaller than the maximum MDIJX drawdown of -56.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIFIX and MDIJX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIFIX	MDIJX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.04%	-56.60%	+21.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.48%	-11.40%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.29%	-12.57%	+5.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.70%	-30.19%	+10.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.69%	-30.19%	+6.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.85%	-0.20%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.85%	-9.08%	+5.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	3.03%	-1.98%

Volatility

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Diversified Income Fund (DIFIX) is 1.53%, while MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX) has a volatility of 4.89%. This indicates that DIFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MDIJX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIFIX	MDIJX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.53%	4.89%	-3.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.98%	11.02%	-7.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.13%	13.12%	-7.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.85%	14.34%	-7.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.52%	14.70%	-7.18%

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIFIX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is lower than MDIJX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIFIX vs. MDIJX - Dividend Comparison

DIFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.74%, more than MDIJX's 4.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIFIX MFS Diversified Income Fund	5.74%	5.62%	3.86%	3.12%	3.99%	4.95%	2.83%	3.13%	4.39%	3.79%	3.76%	7.57%
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	4.70%	5.17%	3.50%	4.14%	2.64%	2.70%	1.64%	2.50%	3.14%	1.63%	2.18%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIFIX and MDIJX in my portfolio?

DIFIX and MDIJX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIFIX or MDIJX?

MDIJX has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to DIFIX (1.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIFIX dropped -35.04% vs MDIJX's -56.60%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.78), 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.