MFWTX vs. CAIBX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFWTX (MFS Global Total Return Fund) and CAIBX (American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A) are both mutual funds - MFWTX is a Global Allocation fund managed by MFS, while CAIBX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by American Funds. Over the past 10 years, MFWTX returned 6.44%/yr vs 8.17%/yr for CAIBX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MFWTX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for CAIBX.

Performance

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Global Total Return Fund (MFWTX) and American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A (CAIBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFWTX achieves a 4.62% return, which is significantly lower than CAIBX's 7.48% return. Over the past 10 years, MFWTX has underperformed CAIBX with an annualized return of 6.44%, while CAIBX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.17% annualized return.

MFWTX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 4.62%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 12.65%
• 3Y*: 10.35%
• 5Y*: 4.89%
• 10Y*: 6.44%

CAIBX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 6M: 7.33%
• 1Y: 17.43%
• 3Y*: 15.01%
• 5Y*: 8.66%
• 10Y*: 8.17%

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

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFWTX MFS Global Total Return Fund	4.62%	15.48%	3.92%	10.29%	-10.86%	8.31%	9.35%	18.25%	-7.19%	14.77%
CAIBX American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A	7.48%	20.39%	10.24%	8.95%	-7.14%	14.99%	3.20%	17.23%	-7.28%	13.99%

Correlation

The correlation between MFWTX and CAIBX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 1990	0.85

The correlation between MFWTX and CAIBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFWTX vs. CAIBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFWTX

MFWTX Risk / Return Rank: 38
MFWTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
MFWTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MFWTX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MFWTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MFWTX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

CAIBX

CAIBX Risk / Return Rank: 62
CAIBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
CAIBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
CAIBX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
CAIBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
CAIBX 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.

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Global Total Return Fund (MFWTX) and American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A (CAIBX). 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.

	MFWTX	CAIBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.18	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	3.09	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.41	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.77	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.93	10.96	-4.03

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFWTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the CAIBX Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFWTX and CAIBX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFWTX drawdown since its inception was -33.22%, smaller than the maximum CAIBX drawdown of -43.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFWTX and CAIBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFWTX	CAIBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.22%	-43.68%	+10.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.72%	-6.47%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.68%	-8.89%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.36%	-17.65%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.37%	-25.28%	+1.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-0.67%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-3.80%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.63%	+0.27%

Volatility

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Global Total Return Fund (MFWTX) is 2.21%, while American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A (CAIBX) has a volatility of 2.49%. This indicates that MFWTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CAIBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFWTX	CAIBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.21%	2.49%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.90%	6.62%	-0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.58%	8.25%	-0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.14%	10.00%	-0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.63%	10.88%	-1.25%

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFWTX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than CAIBX's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFWTX vs. CAIBX - Dividend Comparison

MFWTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.04%, more than CAIBX's 7.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CAIBX American Funds Capital Income Builder Class A	7.30%	7.71%	5.76%	3.47%	3.43%	3.14%	3.38%	4.10%	3.55%	4.44%	3.52%	3.62%
MFWTX MFS Global Total Return Fund	8.04%	8.42%	8.94%	3.69%	2.64%	10.29%	7.20%	4.41%	3.33%	2.17%	1.13%	4.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFWTX and CAIBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, MFWTX and CAIBX 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, MFWTX or CAIBX?

CAIBX has higher volatility (2.49%) compared to MFWTX (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFWTX dropped -33.22% vs CAIBX's -43.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CAIBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.75), 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.