DLS vs. MSFRX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and MSFRX (MFS Total Return Fund) are both funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while MSFRX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, DLS returned 8.07%/yr vs 8.10%/yr for MSFRX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for MSFRX.

Performance

DLS vs. MSFRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) 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, DLS achieves a 7.56% return, which is significantly higher than MSFRX's 3.66% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DLS having a 8.07% annualized return and MSFRX not far ahead at 8.10%.

DLS

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 7.56%
• 6M: 9.92%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 8.07%

MSFRX

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: 3.66%
• 6M: 3.79%
• 1Y: 11.92%
• 3Y*: 12.33%
• 5Y*: 6.44%
• 10Y*: 8.10%

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

DLS vs. MSFRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	7.56%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-17.31%	11.71%	-1.28%	22.20%	-18.95%	31.83%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	3.66%	10.98%	14.73%	10.34%	-9.70%	14.00%	9.72%	20.20%	-5.80%	12.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and MSFRX is 0.63, 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	0.63
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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.78

The correlation between DLS and MSFRX shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DLS vs. MSFRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 50
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 48

MSFRX

MSFRX Risk / Return Rank: 50
MSFRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
MSFRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
MSFRX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MSFRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MSFRX 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.

DLS vs. MSFRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) 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.

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.

	DLS	MSFRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.67	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.53	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.30	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.30	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.11	6.74	+0.36

DLS vs. MSFRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the MSFRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS 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.

Drawdowns

DLS vs. MSFRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than MSFRX's maximum drawdown of -37.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and MSFRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	MSFRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-37.28%	-25.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-4.96%	-6.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-8.56%	-4.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	-17.02%	-15.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	-24.70%	-20.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-1.51%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.63%	-5.00%	-8.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	1.69%	+1.37%

Volatility

DLS vs. MSFRX - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) has a higher volatility of 4.90% compared to MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) at 1.94%. This indicates that DLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSFRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLS	MSFRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.90%	1.94%	+2.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	5.03%	+6.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.81%	6.83%	+6.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	9.76%	+5.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.68%	10.46%	+6.22%

DLS vs. MSFRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than MSFRX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. MSFRX - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, less than MSFRX's 8.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.47%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	8.74%	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 DLS and MSFRX in my portfolio?

DLS and MSFRX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLS or MSFRX?

DLS has higher volatility (4.90%) compared to MSFRX (1.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs MSFRX's -37.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSFRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.58), 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.