FTRFX vs. MDVAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTRFX (Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund) and MDVAX (MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, FTRFX returned 1.85%/yr vs 2.22%/yr for MDVAX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTRFX charges 0.69%/yr vs 1.07%/yr for MDVAX.

Performance

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund (FTRFX) and MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund (MDVAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTRFX achieves a -0.08% return, which is significantly lower than MDVAX's 2.59% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRFX has underperformed MDVAX with an annualized return of 1.85%, while MDVAX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.22% annualized return.

FTRFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: -0.08%
• 6M: 0.30%
• 1Y: 5.19%
• 3Y*: 3.48%
• 5Y*: -0.23%
• 10Y*: 1.85%

MDVAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 2.59%
• 6M: 2.58%
• 1Y: 8.43%
• 3Y*: 5.96%
• 5Y*: 0.38%
• 10Y*: 2.22%

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

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRFX Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund	-0.08%	7.28%	1.02%	4.23%	-13.31%	-0.47%	9.19%	9.42%	-1.14%	4.10%
MDVAX MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund	2.59%	8.40%	2.47%	5.81%	-17.01%	1.95%	8.08%	10.12%	-1.55%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRFX and MDVAX is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 1999	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between FTRFX and MDVAX has dropped to 0.38 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FTRFX vs. MDVAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTRFX

FTRFX Risk / Return Rank: 23
FTRFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
FTRFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FTRFX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FTRFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FTRFX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

MDVAX

MDVAX Risk / Return Rank: 83
MDVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
MDVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
MDVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
MDVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
MDVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund (FTRFX) and MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund (MDVAX). 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.

	FTRFX	MDVAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	2.58	-1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	4.27	-2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.53	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	3.82	-2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.64	16.10	-10.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is lower than the MDVAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRFX and MDVAX, 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

	FTRFX	MDVAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.30	2.58	-1.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.04	0.06	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	0.42	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.01	0.71	+0.30

Drawdowns

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRFX drawdown since its inception was -17.95%, smaller than the maximum MDVAX drawdown of -23.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRFX and MDVAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRFX	MDVAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.95%	-23.02%	+5.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.86%	-2.21%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.57%	-5.44%	-1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.95%	-23.02%	+5.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.95%	-23.02%	+5.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.09%	-3.38%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.25%	-3.47%	+1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.52%	+0.40%

Volatility

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Volatility Comparison

Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund (FTRFX) has a higher volatility of 1.40% compared to MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund (MDVAX) at 0.95%. This indicates that FTRFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MDVAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTRFX	MDVAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.40%	0.95%	+0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	2.18%	+0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.02%	3.29%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.87%	6.46%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.78%	5.27%	-0.49%

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTRFX has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than MDVAX's 1.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTRFX vs. MDVAX - Dividend Comparison

FTRFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.25%, more than MDVAX's 3.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRFX Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund	4.25%	4.22%	3.48%	2.95%	2.25%	3.17%	4.36%	3.08%	3.19%	2.91%	3.33%	3.23%
MDVAX MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund	3.99%	3.91%	2.45%	4.87%	3.76%	4.06%	7.20%	2.90%	2.86%	2.64%	2.11%	0.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTRFX and MDVAX in my portfolio?

FTRFX and MDVAX have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRFX or MDVAX?

FTRFX has higher volatility (1.40%) compared to MDVAX (0.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRFX dropped -17.95% vs MDVAX's -23.02%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.30), 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.