MFWIX vs. MSFAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MFWIX (MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I) and MSFAX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MFWIX returned 6.51%/yr vs 6.34%/yr for MSFAX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MFWIX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.92%/yr for MSFAX.

Performance

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX) and Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio (MSFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFWIX achieves a 4.87% return, which is significantly higher than MSFAX's -10.62% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFWIX having a 6.51% annualized return and MSFAX not far behind at 6.34%.

MFWIX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 4.87%
• 6M: 6.22%
• 1Y: 13.49%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: 4.76%
• 10Y*: 6.51%

MSFAX

• 1D: -1.49%
• 1M: -3.25%
• YTD: -10.62%
• 6M: -20.61%
• 1Y: -26.29%
• 3Y*: -2.57%
• 5Y*: -1.16%
• 10Y*: 6.34%

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

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFWIX MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I	4.87%	15.70%	4.25%	10.52%	-10.62%	8.59%	9.63%	18.49%	-6.96%	15.00%
MSFAX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio	-10.62%	-11.65%	8.94%	16.41%	-17.26%	21.89%	13.24%	34.63%	-1.66%	24.68%

Correlation

The correlation between MFWIX and MSFAX is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2001	0.80

The correlation between MFWIX and MSFAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MFWIX vs. MSFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFWIX

MFWIX Risk / Return Rank: 38
MFWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MFWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MFWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MFWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MFWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

MSFAX

MSFAX Risk / Return Rank: 0
MSFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
MSFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
MSFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
MSFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
MSFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX) and Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio (MSFAX). 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.

	MFWIX	MSFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	-1.56	+3.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	-1.90	+4.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.68	+0.66
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	-0.88	+2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.26	-1.62	+8.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFWIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the MSFAX Sharpe Ratio of -1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFWIX and MSFAX, 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

	MFWIX	MSFAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	-1.56	+3.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	-0.07	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.38	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.60	+0.12

Drawdowns

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFWIX drawdown since its inception was -33.01%, smaller than the maximum MSFAX drawdown of -43.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFWIX and MSFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFWIX	MSFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.01%	-43.81%	+10.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.73%	-30.00%	+23.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.63%	-33.89%	+25.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.22%	-33.89%	+13.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.36%	-33.89%	+10.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.49%	-30.92%	+29.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.82%	-5.86%	+2.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	16.22%	-14.33%

Volatility

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I (MFWIX) is 2.09%, while Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio (MSFAX) has a volatility of 3.17%. This indicates that MFWIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSFAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFWIX	MSFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.09%	3.17%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.68%	16.05%	-10.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.39%	16.90%	-9.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.14%	16.95%	-7.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.63%	16.93%	-7.30%

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFWIX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is lower than MSFAX's 0.92% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFWIX vs. MSFAX - Dividend Comparison

MFWIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.36%, while MSFAX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFWIX MFS Global Total Return Fund Class I	8.36%	8.77%	9.36%	3.98%	2.94%	10.71%	7.53%	4.70%	3.64%	2.36%	1.40%	4.59%
MSFAX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Global Franchise Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	11.85%	1.96%	1.69%	2.75%	3.48%	8.23%	5.76%	3.72%	3.11%	4.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFWIX and MSFAX in my portfolio?

MFWIX and MSFAX have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFWIX or MSFAX?

MSFAX has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to MFWIX (2.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFWIX dropped -33.01% vs MSFAX's -43.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs -1.56), 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.