MFHQX vs. SSASX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MFHQX (BlackRock Total Return Fund) and SSASX (State Street Income Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, MFHQX returned -0.79%/yr vs -0.64%/yr for SSASX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFHQX charges 1.45%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for SSASX.

Performance

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Total Return Fund (MFHQX) and State Street Income Fund (SSASX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MFHQX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.45%
• 3Y*: 3.11%
• 5Y*: -0.79%
• 10Y*: 1.00%

SSASX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: -0.00%
• 6M: -0.08%
• 1Y: 5.12%
• 3Y*: 2.95%
• 5Y*: -0.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MFHQX BlackRock Total Return Fund	0.30%	7.16%	0.09%	4.60%	-15.06%	0.70%
SSASX State Street Income Fund	-0.00%	7.49%	-0.95%	4.83%	-13.74%	0.59%

Correlation

The correlation between MFHQX and SSASX is 0.92, 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	0.92
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 May 25, 2021	0.96

The correlation between MFHQX and SSASX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFHQX vs. SSASX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFHQX

MFHQX Risk / Return Rank: 16
MFHQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
MFHQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
MFHQX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
MFHQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
MFHQX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

SSASX

SSASX Risk / Return Rank: 18
SSASX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SSASX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
SSASX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
SSASX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
SSASX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Total Return Fund (MFHQX) and State Street Income Fund (SSASX). 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.

	MFHQX	SSASX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.22	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	1.83	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	1.50	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.33	4.51	-1.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFHQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the SSASX Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFHQX and SSASX, 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

	MFHQX	SSASX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	1.22	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.13	-0.10	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	-0.10	+0.51

Drawdowns

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFHQX drawdown since its inception was -20.45%, roughly equal to the maximum SSASX drawdown of -19.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFHQX and SSASX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFHQX	SSASX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.45%	-19.65%	-0.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.31%	-3.42%	-0.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.12%	-7.97%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.21%	-19.65%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.31%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.99%	-5.26%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.25%	-9.68%	+5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.64%	1.14%	+0.50%

Volatility

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock Total Return Fund (MFHQX) and State Street Income Fund (SSASX) have volatilities of 1.46% and 1.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFHQX	SSASX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.46%	1.46%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.52%	2.96%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.57%	4.22%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.25%	6.49%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.10%	6.49%	-1.39%

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFHQX has a 1.45% expense ratio, which is higher than SSASX's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFHQX vs. SSASX - Dividend Comparison

MFHQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%, less than SSASX's 4.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFHQX BlackRock Total Return Fund	3.70%	3.83%	3.28%	2.85%	1.95%	1.50%	5.22%	2.20%	2.33%	1.99%	1.82%	2.40%
SSASX State Street Income Fund	4.00%	4.01%	2.76%	2.86%	2.48%	3.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFHQX and SSASX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, MFHQX and SSASX 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, MFHQX or SSASX?

SSASX has higher volatility (1.46%) compared to MFHQX (1.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFHQX dropped -20.45% vs SSASX's -19.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSASX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs 1.20), 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.