MCSIX vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MCSIX (MFS Commodity Strategy Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both funds - MCSIX is a Commodities fund managed by MFS, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, MCSIX returned 6.36%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for VXUS. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MCSIX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MCSIX having a 16.30% return and VXUS slightly lower at 16.04%. Over the past 10 years, MCSIX has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 6.36%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.57% annualized return.

MCSIX

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: -6.65%
• YTD: 16.30%
• 6M: 16.30%
• 1Y: 24.45%
• 3Y*: 12.68%
• 5Y*: 10.85%
• 10Y*: 6.36%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCSIX MFS Commodity Strategy Fund	16.30%	18.47%	5.08%	-6.13%	13.40%	27.55%	-0.02%	7.79%	-12.79%	3.65%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MCSIX and VXUS is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.35

Over the past year, the correlation between MCSIX and VXUS has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.35, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MCSIX vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCSIX

MCSIX Risk / Return Rank: 36
MCSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
MCSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
MCSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MCSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MCSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	MCSIX	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.16	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	2.92	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.40	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	3.07	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.48	11.84	-3.36

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCSIX and VXUS, 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

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCSIX drawdown since its inception was -64.20%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCSIX and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCSIX	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.20%	-35.97%	-28.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.46%	-11.27%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.74%	-13.58%	+3.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.61%	-29.44%	-8.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.61%	-35.97%	-1.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.46%	0.00%	-9.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.19%	-8.20%	-24.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	2.92%	+0.01%

Volatility

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Commodity Strategy Fund (MCSIX) is 3.76%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.28%. This indicates that MCSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCSIX	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	6.28%	-2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.76%	14.10%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.98%	16.08%	-0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.61%	16.21%	+18.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.02%	17.18%	+8.84%

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCSIX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCSIX vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

MCSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.79%, more than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MCSIX MFS Commodity Strategy Fund	13.79%	16.04%	3.30%	2.21%	27.42%	56.01%	0.88%	1.87%	3.50%	3.14%	0.61%	0.47%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCSIX and VXUS in my portfolio?

MCSIX and VXUS have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCSIX or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to MCSIX (3.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCSIX dropped -64.20% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 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.