MIAQX vs. AWSHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MIAQX (American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund) and AWSHX (American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - MIAQX is a Multisector Bonds fund managed by American Funds, while AWSHX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by American Funds. Over the past 5 years, MIAQX returned 2.13%/yr vs 12.16%/yr for AWSHX. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MIAQX charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for AWSHX.

Performance

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund (MIAQX) and American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MIAQX achieves a 0.90% return, which is significantly lower than AWSHX's 5.48% return.

MIAQX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 5.95%
• 3Y*: 7.18%
• 5Y*: 2.13%
• 10Y*: —

AWSHX

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 5.48%
• 6M: 4.74%
• 1Y: 16.42%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 13.01%

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

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
MIAQX American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund	0.90%	7.81%	6.08%	9.47%	-13.04%	2.10%	8.29%	3.20%
AWSHX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A	5.48%	17.20%	19.02%	17.21%	-8.45%	28.44%	7.69%	12.69%

Correlation

The correlation between MIAQX and AWSHX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2019	0.35

The correlation between MIAQX and AWSHX shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (all time) to 0.51 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MIAQX vs. AWSHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MIAQX

MIAQX Risk / Return Rank: 43
MIAQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MIAQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
MIAQX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
MIAQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
MIAQX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

AWSHX

AWSHX Risk / Return Rank: 38
AWSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
AWSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
AWSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
AWSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
AWSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund (MIAQX) and American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX). 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.

	MIAQX	AWSHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	1.65	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.36	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	2.08	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.61	8.95	+0.66

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MIAQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is comparable to the AWSHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MIAQX and AWSHX, 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

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MIAQX drawdown since its inception was -18.01%, smaller than the maximum AWSHX drawdown of -53.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MIAQX and AWSHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MIAQX	AWSHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.01%	-53.95%	+35.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.84%	-8.37%	+5.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.60%	-14.66%	+10.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.01%	-18.64%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.64%	-1.01%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-6.41%	+2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.63%	1.94%	-1.31%

Volatility

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund (MIAQX) is 1.17%, while American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX) has a volatility of 2.90%. This indicates that MIAQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AWSHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MIAQX	AWSHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.17%	2.90%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.94%	8.04%	-5.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	10.55%	-6.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.79%	14.10%	-9.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.36%	16.34%	-10.98%

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MIAQX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than AWSHX's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

MIAQX vs. AWSHX - Dividend Comparison

MIAQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.05%, less than AWSHX's 9.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AWSHX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A	9.81%	10.08%	10.06%	6.14%	6.31%	6.05%	3.06%	6.19%	4.36%	7.26%	6.37%	6.25%
MIAQX American Funds Multi-Sector Income Fund	6.05%	5.98%	5.57%	4.83%	3.39%	3.77%	3.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MIAQX and AWSHX in my portfolio?

MIAQX and AWSHX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MIAQX or AWSHX?

AWSHX has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to MIAQX (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MIAQX dropped -18.01% vs AWSHX's -53.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AWSHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 1.65), 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.