MDIDX vs. LVHI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MDIDX (MFS International Diversification Fund Class A) and LVHI (Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) are both funds - MDIDX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while LVHI is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR. MDIDX is actively managed, while LVHI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MDIDX returned 6.61%/yr vs 15.88%/yr for LVHI. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MDIDX charges 1.08%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for LVHI.

Performance

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS International Diversification Fund Class A (MDIDX) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDIDX achieves a 9.19% return, which is significantly lower than LVHI's 12.09% return.

MDIDX

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 10.78%
• 1Y: 20.78%
• 3Y*: 15.70%
• 5Y*: 6.61%
• 10Y*: 9.54%

LVHI

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 12.09%
• 6M: 13.88%
• 1Y: 30.86%
• 3Y*: 21.26%
• 5Y*: 15.88%
• 10Y*: —

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

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDIDX MFS International Diversification Fund Class A	9.19%	27.58%	6.12%	14.05%	-17.31%	7.42%	14.99%	25.68%	-11.25%	29.94%
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	12.09%	27.12%	14.81%	17.45%	3.84%	18.19%	-8.76%	18.35%	-5.22%	12.26%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIDX and LVHI is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 29, 2016	0.63

The correlation between MDIDX and LVHI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MDIDX vs. LVHI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDIDX

MDIDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
MDIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MDIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MDIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MDIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
MDIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

LVHI

LVHI Risk / Return Rank: 91
LVHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
LVHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
LVHI Omega Ratio Rank: 92
LVHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
LVHI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS International Diversification Fund Class A (MDIDX) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). 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.

	MDIDX	LVHI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	3.28	-1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	4.49	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.62	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	5.10	-3.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.16	21.22	-14.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDIDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is lower than the LVHI Sharpe Ratio of 3.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDIDX and LVHI, 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

	MDIDX	LVHI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.73	3.28	-1.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	1.44	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.82	-0.37

Drawdowns

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIDX drawdown since its inception was -56.80%, which is greater than LVHI's maximum drawdown of -32.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIDX and LVHI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIDX	LVHI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.80%	-32.31%	-24.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.41%	-6.08%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.60%	-11.99%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.40%	-11.99%	-18.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.23%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.35%	-3.52%	-5.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	1.46%	+1.55%

Volatility

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Volatility Comparison

MFS International Diversification Fund Class A (MDIDX) has a higher volatility of 4.08% compared to Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) at 2.89%. This indicates that MDIDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LVHI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDIDX	LVHI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	2.89%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	7.50%	+2.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.50%	9.45%	+3.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.23%	11.06%	+3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.71%	13.76%	+0.95%

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIDX has a 1.08% expense ratio, which is higher than LVHI's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIDX vs. LVHI - Dividend Comparison

MDIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, less than LVHI's 6.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	6.10%	4.92%	3.98%	8.12%	7.74%	4.13%	3.97%	6.67%	10.67%	3.38%	2.02%	0.00%
MDIDX MFS International Diversification Fund Class A	4.57%	4.99%	3.27%	3.94%	2.41%	2.47%	1.45%	2.30%	2.89%	1.42%	1.94%	1.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDIDX and LVHI in my portfolio?

MDIDX and LVHI have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDIDX or LVHI?

MDIDX has higher volatility (4.08%) compared to LVHI (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDIDX dropped -56.80% vs LVHI's -32.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.28 vs 1.73), 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.