MGRDX vs. DFIVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MGRDX (MFS International Growth Fund R6) and DFIVX (DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGRDX returned 10.46%/yr vs 12.43%/yr for DFIVX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MGRDX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for DFIVX.

Performance

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS International Growth Fund R6 (MGRDX) and DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGRDX achieves a 2.38% return, which is significantly lower than DFIVX's 12.21% return. Over the past 10 years, MGRDX has underperformed DFIVX with an annualized return of 10.46%, while DFIVX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.43% annualized return.

MGRDX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 2.38%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: 10.22%
• 3Y*: 11.99%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.46%

DFIVX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 12.21%
• 6M: 11.62%
• 1Y: 35.91%
• 3Y*: 24.00%
• 5Y*: 14.86%
• 10Y*: 12.43%

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

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGRDX MFS International Growth Fund R6	2.38%	21.18%	9.22%	14.99%	-15.00%	9.61%	15.82%	27.32%	-8.79%	32.56%
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	12.21%	45.24%	6.87%	17.83%	-3.51%	18.57%	-2.13%	15.68%	-17.49%	26.08%

Correlation

The correlation between MGRDX and DFIVX is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2006	0.87

The correlation between MGRDX and DFIVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MGRDX vs. DFIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGRDX

MGRDX Risk / Return Rank: 10
MGRDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
MGRDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
MGRDX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
MGRDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MGRDX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

DFIVX

DFIVX Risk / Return Rank: 83
DFIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DFIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
DFIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DFIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DFIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS International Growth Fund R6 (MGRDX) and DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX). 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.

	MGRDX	DFIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	2.58	-1.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.13	3.45	-2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.46	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	3.81	-2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.74	14.86	-12.12

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGRDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is lower than the DFIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGRDX and DFIVX, 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

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGRDX drawdown since its inception was -60.75%, smaller than the maximum DFIVX drawdown of -66.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGRDX and DFIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGRDX	DFIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.75%	-66.61%	+5.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.39%	-9.58%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-14.39%	+0.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.60%	-25.29%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.60%	-48.11%	+17.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.39%	-0.99%	-3.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.41%	-12.22%	-0.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	2.45%	+1.37%

Volatility

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Volatility Comparison

MFS International Growth Fund R6 (MGRDX) has a higher volatility of 5.24% compared to DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class (DFIVX) at 4.21%. This indicates that MGRDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGRDX	DFIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	4.21%	+1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	11.38%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.91%	14.21%	-0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.75%	16.30%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.77%	17.96%	-2.19%

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGRDX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIVX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGRDX vs. DFIVX - Dividend Comparison

MGRDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.50%, more than DFIVX's 3.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIVX DFA International Value Portfolio Institutional Class	3.75%	4.21%	3.94%	4.40%	3.78%	4.37%	2.42%	3.70%	6.60%	2.85%	3.36%	3.45%
MGRDX MFS International Growth Fund R6	5.50%	5.63%	6.35%	2.90%	3.06%	6.97%	0.80%	1.51%	4.20%	2.61%	1.45%	1.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGRDX and DFIVX in my portfolio?

MGRDX and DFIVX have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGRDX or DFIVX?

MGRDX has higher volatility (5.24%) compared to DFIVX (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGRDX dropped -60.75% vs DFIVX's -66.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 0.76), 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.