EMLIX vs. MDIJX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

EMLIX (MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund) and MDIJX (MFS International Diversification Fund) are both mutual funds - EMLIX is a Emerging Markets Bonds fund managed by MFS, while MDIJX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, EMLIX returned 3.24%/yr vs 9.81%/yr for MDIJX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMLIX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for MDIJX.

Performance

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) 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, EMLIX achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than MDIJX's 9.29% return. Over the past 10 years, EMLIX has underperformed MDIJX with an annualized return of 3.24%, while MDIJX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.81% annualized return.

EMLIX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 9.34%
• 3Y*: 6.99%
• 5Y*: 1.76%
• 10Y*: 3.24%

MDIJX

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 9.29%
• 6M: 10.89%
• 1Y: 21.07%
• 3Y*: 16.00%
• 5Y*: 6.88%
• 10Y*: 9.81%

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

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	0.81%	19.53%	-4.66%	12.67%	-10.19%	-7.97%	2.68%	15.91%	-5.99%	14.59%
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	9.29%	27.84%	6.41%	14.37%	-17.12%	7.69%	15.26%	26.00%	-11.05%	30.29%

Correlation

The correlation between EMLIX and MDIJX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2011	0.60

The correlation between EMLIX and MDIJX shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (10 years) to 0.70 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EMLIX vs. MDIJX — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMLIX

EMLIX Risk / Return Rank: 25
EMLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
EMLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
EMLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
EMLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
EMLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

MDIJX

MDIJX Risk / Return Rank: 34
MDIJX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
MDIJX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MDIJX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
MDIJX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
MDIJX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) 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.

	EMLIX	MDIJX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.75	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	2.48	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.92	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	7.27	-2.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMLIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the MDIJX Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMLIX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EMLIX	MDIJX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.75	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.49	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24	0.67	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.07	0.47	-0.40

Drawdowns

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMLIX drawdown since its inception was -34.15%, smaller than the maximum MDIJX drawdown of -56.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMLIX and MDIJX.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMLIX	MDIJX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.15%	-56.60%	+22.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-11.40%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.34%	-12.57%	+3.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-30.19%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.42%	-30.19%	-3.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.76%	-0.88%	-2.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.53%	-9.09%	-7.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	3.01%	-0.98%

Volatility

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund (EMLIX) is 2.30%, while MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX) has a volatility of 4.09%. This indicates that EMLIX 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

	EMLIX	MDIJX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.30%	4.09%	-1.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.60%	10.21%	-4.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.38%	12.51%	-6.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.60%	14.23%	-6.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.34%	14.70%	-1.36%

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMLIX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than MDIJX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMLIX vs. MDIJX - Dividend Comparison

EMLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, less than MDIJX's 4.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLIX MFS Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund	3.39%	3.48%	5.32%	3.64%	3.60%	4.49%	4.13%	4.71%	5.60%	4.48%	4.59%	6.93%
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	4.73%	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 EMLIX and MDIJX in my portfolio?

EMLIX and MDIJX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMLIX or MDIJX?

MDIJX has higher volatility (4.09%) compared to EMLIX (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMLIX dropped -34.15% vs MDIJX's -56.60%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDIJX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.50), 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.