MDIZX vs. VTSNX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MDIZX (MFS International Diversification Fund R6) and VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - MDIZX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Country World (ex-US) Index (net div), while VTSNX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, MDIZX returned 7.07%/yr vs 8.58%/yr for VTSNX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MDIZX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTSNX.

Performance

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS International Diversification Fund R6 (MDIZX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDIZX achieves a 9.61% return, which is significantly lower than VTSNX's 14.71% return.

MDIZX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 9.61%
• 6M: 11.89%
• 1Y: 21.66%
• 3Y*: 16.22%
• 5Y*: 7.07%
• 10Y*: —

VTSNX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.52%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 6M: 17.84%
• 1Y: 31.97%
• 3Y*: 19.58%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

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

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDIZX MFS International Diversification Fund R6	9.61%	27.99%	6.52%	14.48%	-17.04%	7.79%	15.45%	26.09%	-10.93%	3.71%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	14.71%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	3.05%

Correlation

The correlation between MDIZX and VTSNX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2017	0.96

The correlation between MDIZX and VTSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MDIZX vs. VTSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDIZX

MDIZX Risk / Return Rank: 36
MDIZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
MDIZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
MDIZX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MDIZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
MDIZX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS International Diversification Fund R6 (MDIZX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX). 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.

	MDIZX	VTSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.35	-0.50
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	3.19	-0.58
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.43	-0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	2.93	-0.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.62	11.61	-3.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDIZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the VTSNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDIZX and VTSNX, 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

	MDIZX	VTSNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.85	2.35	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.57	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.42	+0.16

Drawdowns

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDIZX drawdown since its inception was -30.09%, smaller than the maximum VTSNX drawdown of -35.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDIZX and VTSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDIZX	VTSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.09%	-35.72%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.36%	-11.29%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.59%	-13.14%	+0.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.09%	-29.55%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.70%	-8.10%	+1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	2.85%	+0.15%

Volatility

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS International Diversification Fund R6 (MDIZX) is 3.99%, while Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) has a volatility of 4.81%. This indicates that MDIZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDIZX	VTSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	4.81%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	11.89%	-1.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.50%	14.23%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.22%	15.04%	-0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.20%	15.93%	-0.73%

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDIZX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSNX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDIZX vs. VTSNX - Dividend Comparison

MDIZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more than VTSNX's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDIZX MFS International Diversification Fund R6	4.80%	5.26%	3.61%	4.24%	2.76%	2.79%	1.72%	2.57%	3.23%	1.66%	0.00%	0.00%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.64%	3.17%	3.36%	3.24%	3.08%	3.08%	2.13%	3.16%	3.19%	2.75%	2.95%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDIZX and VTSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, MDIZX and VTSNX 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, MDIZX or VTSNX?

VTSNX has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to MDIZX (3.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDIZX dropped -30.09% vs VTSNX's -35.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.85), 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.