MFSI vs. BRSM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MFSI (MFS Active International ETF) and BRSM (MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFSI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while BRSM is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by MFS. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MFSI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for BRSM.

Performance

MFSI vs. BRSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) and MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF (BRSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MFSI

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -0.34%
• 6M: 2.95%
• YTD: 6.01%
• 1Y: 14.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BRSM

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: 0.88%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MFSI vs. BRSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	-0.68%
BRSM MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF	2.16%

Correlation

The correlation between MFSI and BRSM is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2026	0.77

Return for Risk

MFSI vs. BRSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFSI

MFSI Risk / Return Rank: 34
MFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 32
MFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
MFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 39

BRSM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

MFSI vs. BRSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) and MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF (BRSM). 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.

	MFSI	BRSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.93	—	—

Drawdowns

MFSI vs. BRSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFSI drawdown since its inception was -13.67%, which is greater than BRSM's maximum drawdown of -3.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFSI and BRSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFSI	BRSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.67%	-3.25%	-10.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-1.99%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-1.05%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MFSI	BRSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.71%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.08%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	19.34%	-4.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	19.34%	-2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.38%	19.34%	-2.96%

MFSI vs. BRSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFSI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than BRSM's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFSI vs. BRSM - Dividend Comparison

MFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, while BRSM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BRSM MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.00%	0.00%
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	0.76%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFSI and BRSM in my portfolio?

MFSI and BRSM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MFSI or BRSM?

On fees, BRSM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFSI or BRSM?

BRSM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for MFSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFSI or BRSM?

MFSI has the higher dividend yield at 0.76%, compared with 0.00% for BRSM.

What is the main difference between MFSI and BRSM?

MFSI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while BRSM is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for MFSI and 0.38% for BRSM.