FCFAX vs. MFDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FCFAX (Frost Credit Fund) and MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) are both funds - FCFAX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Frost Funds, while MFDX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index. Over the past 5 years, FCFAX returned 3.79%/yr vs 10.06%/yr for MFDX. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FCFAX charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for MFDX.

Performance

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frost Credit Fund (FCFAX) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCFAX achieves a 1.58% return, which is significantly lower than MFDX's 10.49% return.

FCFAX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 1.58%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 4.56%
• 3Y*: 7.23%
• 5Y*: 3.79%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

MFDX

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.50%
• YTD: 10.49%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 22.35%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 10.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCFAX Frost Credit Fund	1.58%	5.21%	8.01%	11.23%	-7.83%	5.07%	6.22%	6.95%	0.89%	1.48%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	10.49%	34.27%	4.40%	17.54%	-10.27%	11.07%	6.90%	19.88%	-14.88%	7.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FCFAX and MFDX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2017	0.27

Over the past year, FCFAX and MFDX have become more correlated (0.51) than their long-term average of 0.27, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

FCFAX vs. MFDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCFAX

FCFAX Risk / Return Rank: 73
FCFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FCFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FCFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
FCFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FCFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 52
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frost Credit Fund (FCFAX) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). 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.

	FCFAX	MFDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.58	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	2.23	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.29	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.11	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.89	8.26	+1.63

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the MFDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCFAX and MFDX, 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

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCFAX drawdown since its inception was -16.33%, smaller than the maximum MFDX drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCFAX and MFDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCFAX	MFDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.33%	-36.05%	+19.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.82%	-10.66%	+8.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.82%	-11.62%	+8.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.49%	-25.58%	+15.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.16%	+1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-6.48%	+4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.49%	2.72%	-2.23%

Volatility

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Frost Credit Fund (FCFAX) is 0.77%, while PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that FCFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MFDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCFAX	MFDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	5.15%	-4.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.76%	11.94%	-10.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.27%	14.23%	-11.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.77%	15.12%	-12.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.24%	16.44%	-13.20%

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCFAX has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than MFDX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCFAX vs. MFDX - Dividend Comparison

FCFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.15%, more than MFDX's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCFAX Frost Credit Fund	6.15%	6.10%	5.76%	5.93%	5.00%	3.65%	3.69%	4.62%	5.05%	5.85%	4.84%	4.95%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.77%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCFAX and MFDX in my portfolio?

FCFAX and MFDX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCFAX or MFDX?

MFDX has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to FCFAX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCFAX dropped -16.33% vs MFDX's -36.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 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.