GLNIX vs. MFWIX

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

GLNIX (MFS Global New Discovery Fund) and MFWIX (MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I) are both Global Equities funds from MFS. Over the past 10 years, GLNIX returned 9.19%/yr vs 6.72%/yr for MFWIX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GLNIX charges 1.10%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for MFWIX.

Performance

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Global New Discovery Fund (GLNIX) and MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLNIX achieves a 7.56% return, which is significantly higher than MFWIX's 5.87% return. Over the past 10 years, GLNIX has outperformed MFWIX with an annualized return of 9.19%, while MFWIX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.72% annualized return.

GLNIX

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 7.56%
• 6M: 7.74%
• 1Y: 8.44%
• 3Y*: 8.36%
• 5Y*: 1.68%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

MFWIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.56%
• YTD: 5.87%
• 6M: 6.43%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: 10.47%
• 5Y*: 5.14%
• 10Y*: 6.72%

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

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLNIX MFS Global New Discovery Fund	7.56%	8.35%	2.57%	18.45%	-26.90%	12.37%	23.93%	34.45%	-8.40%	29.75%
MFWIX MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I	5.87%	15.70%	4.25%	10.52%	-10.62%	8.59%	9.63%	18.49%	-6.96%	15.00%

Correlation

The correlation between GLNIX and MFWIX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.85

The correlation between GLNIX and MFWIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLNIX vs. MFWIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLNIX

GLNIX Risk / Return Rank: 9
GLNIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GLNIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
GLNIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
GLNIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
GLNIX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

MFWIX

MFWIX Risk / Return Rank: 47
MFWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MFWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MFWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
MFWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MFWIX 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.

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Global New Discovery Fund (GLNIX) and MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX). 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.

	GLNIX	MFWIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.68	1.90	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.07	2.77	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.35	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.91	2.12	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.78	7.47	-4.69

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLNIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.68, which is lower than the MFWIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLNIX and MFWIX, 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

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLNIX drawdown since its inception was -38.70%, which is greater than MFWIX's maximum drawdown of -33.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLNIX and MFWIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLNIX	MFWIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.70%	-33.01%	-5.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-6.73%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.68%	-8.63%	-7.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.70%	-20.22%	-18.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-23.36%	-15.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-0.55%	-0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.62%	-3.82%	-3.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	1.90%	+1.43%

Volatility

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Global New Discovery Fund (GLNIX) has a higher volatility of 5.19% compared to MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX) at 2.38%. This indicates that GLNIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFWIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLNIX	MFWIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	2.38%	+2.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.32%	5.81%	+5.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.70%	7.52%	+6.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.66%	9.17%	+7.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.68%	9.64%	+7.04%

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLNIX has a 1.10% expense ratio, which is higher than MFWIX's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLNIX vs. MFWIX - Dividend Comparison

GLNIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than MFWIX's 8.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLNIX MFS Global New Discovery Fund	2.27%	2.44%	0.60%	0.00%	0.00%	6.24%	3.71%	5.70%	11.95%	2.94%	1.06%	0.46%
MFWIX MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I	8.28%	8.77%	9.36%	3.98%	2.94%	10.71%	7.53%	4.70%	3.64%	2.36%	1.40%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLNIX and MFWIX in my portfolio?

GLNIX and MFWIX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLNIX or MFWIX?

GLNIX has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to MFWIX (2.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLNIX dropped -38.70% vs MFWIX's -33.01%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.68), 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.