MEQAX vs. SSIFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MEQAX (American Century International Value Fund) and SSIFX (Sextant International Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MEQAX returned 9.14%/yr vs 11.94%/yr for SSIFX. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEQAX charges 1.39%/yr vs 1.27%/yr for SSIFX.

Performance

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century International Value Fund (MEQAX) and Sextant International Fund (SSIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEQAX achieves a 12.34% return, which is significantly lower than SSIFX's 20.94% return. Over the past 10 years, MEQAX has underperformed SSIFX with an annualized return of 9.14%, while SSIFX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.94% annualized return.

MEQAX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 12.34%
• 6M: 16.23%
• 1Y: 29.64%
• 3Y*: 22.26%
• 5Y*: 10.81%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

SSIFX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 20.94%
• 6M: 20.62%
• 1Y: 34.21%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 11.94%

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

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MEQAX American Century International Value Fund	12.34%	41.64%	3.73%	19.48%	-11.64%	8.39%	8.93%	12.14%	-17.30%	21.00%
SSIFX Sextant International Fund	20.94%	22.73%	1.26%	24.82%	-22.62%	17.45%	15.09%	26.86%	-3.92%	25.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MEQAX and SSIFX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 1997	0.77

The correlation between MEQAX and SSIFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.77 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MEQAX vs. SSIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEQAX

MEQAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
MEQAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MEQAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MEQAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MEQAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
MEQAX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SSIFX

SSIFX Risk / Return Rank: 43
SSIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SSIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SSIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SSIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SSIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century International Value Fund (MEQAX) and Sextant International Fund (SSIFX). 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.

	MEQAX	SSIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.81	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.51	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	2.89	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.90	10.04	+1.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEQAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the SSIFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEQAX and SSIFX, 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

	MEQAX	SSIFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.81	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.57	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.67	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.48	-0.23

Drawdowns

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEQAX drawdown since its inception was -60.32%, which is greater than SSIFX's maximum drawdown of -56.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEQAX and SSIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEQAX	SSIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.32%	-56.24%	-4.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.35%	-12.38%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-20.44%	+7.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.91%	-34.21%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.19%	-34.21%	-7.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.28%	-0.43%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.94%	-11.82%	-3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	3.55%	-1.14%

Volatility

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Century International Value Fund (MEQAX) is 3.74%, while Sextant International Fund (SSIFX) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that MEQAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SSIFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEQAX	SSIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.74%	6.38%	-2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	15.80%	-5.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.48%	19.78%	-6.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.36%	18.82%	-3.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.79%	18.00%	-1.21%

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEQAX has a 1.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SSIFX's 1.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEQAX vs. SSIFX - Dividend Comparison

MEQAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.01%, less than SSIFX's 13.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MEQAX American Century International Value Fund	7.01%	7.87%	3.66%	4.28%	3.72%	4.95%	1.11%	3.27%	3.31%	2.80%	0.43%	2.38%
SSIFX Sextant International Fund	13.32%	15.83%	0.54%	0.34%	0.00%	8.32%	0.36%	3.57%	8.03%	8.94%	1.30%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEQAX and SSIFX in my portfolio?

MEQAX and SSIFX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEQAX or SSIFX?

SSIFX has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to MEQAX (3.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEQAX dropped -60.32% vs SSIFX's -56.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEQAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.81), 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.