MCSIX vs. DCMSX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MCSIX (MFS Commodity Strategy Fund) and DCMSX (DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio) are both Commodities funds. Over the past 10 years, MCSIX returned 7.37%/yr vs 7.68%/yr for DCMSX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MCSIX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for DCMSX.

Performance

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) and DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio (DCMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCSIX achieves a 24.31% return, which is significantly lower than DCMSX's 30.28% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MCSIX having a 7.37% annualized return and DCMSX not far ahead at 7.68%.

MCSIX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: -0.88%
• YTD: 24.31%
• 6M: 25.37%
• 1Y: 39.41%
• 3Y*: 17.19%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 7.37%

DCMSX

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: -1.47%
• YTD: 30.28%
• 6M: 29.82%
• 1Y: 43.06%
• 3Y*: 17.14%
• 5Y*: 11.97%
• 10Y*: 7.68%

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

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCSIX MFS Commodity Strategy Fund	24.31%	18.47%	5.08%	-6.13%	13.40%	27.55%	-0.02%	7.79%	-12.79%	3.65%
DCMSX DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio	30.28%	15.15%	5.90%	-9.14%	11.36%	33.54%	-1.78%	7.96%	-11.22%	2.73%

Correlation

The correlation between MCSIX and DCMSX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2010	0.96

The correlation between MCSIX and DCMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MCSIX vs. DCMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCSIX

MCSIX Risk / Return Rank: 79
MCSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
MCSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MCSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
MCSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
MCSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

DCMSX

DCMSX Risk / Return Rank: 84
DCMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
DCMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
DCMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DCMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
DCMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) and DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio (DCMSX). 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.

	MCSIX	DCMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.66	2.84	-0.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	3.57	-0.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.50	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.06	6.14	-1.08
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.54	16.69	-0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCSIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.66, which is comparable to the DCMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCSIX and DCMSX, 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

	MCSIX	DCMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.66	2.84	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.74	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	0.53	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.11	+0.01

Drawdowns

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCSIX drawdown since its inception was -64.20%, which is greater than DCMSX's maximum drawdown of -60.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCSIX and DCMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCSIX	DCMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.20%	-60.94%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.15%	-7.21%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.74%	-11.10%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.61%	-27.93%	-9.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.61%	-32.52%	-5.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-4.13%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.29%	-31.79%	-1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	2.65%	-0.15%

Volatility

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) is 4.84%, while DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio (DCMSX) has a volatility of 5.52%. This indicates that MCSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DCMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCSIX	DCMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	5.52%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.70%	14.14%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.93%	16.35%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.65%	16.32%	+18.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.03%	14.48%	+11.55%

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCSIX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than DCMSX's 0.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCSIX vs. DCMSX - Dividend Comparison

MCSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.90%, more than DCMSX's 8.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DCMSX DFA Commodity Strategy Portfolio	8.09%	10.75%	2.83%	2.52%	7.46%	49.44%	0.37%	1.51%	1.63%	3.09%	0.47%	0.15%
MCSIX MFS Commodity Strategy Fund	12.90%	16.04%	3.30%	2.21%	27.42%	56.01%	0.88%	1.87%	3.50%	3.14%	0.61%	0.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCSIX and DCMSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MCSIX and DCMSX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MCSIX or DCMSX?

DCMSX has higher volatility (5.52%) compared to MCSIX (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCSIX dropped -64.20% vs DCMSX's -60.94%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DCMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 2.66), 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.