MOPIX vs. MSXAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MOPIX (MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund) and MSXAX (NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A) are both mutual funds - MOPIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by New York Life, while MSXAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MOPIX returned 9.91%/yr vs 15.22%/yr for MSXAX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MOPIX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for MSXAX.

Performance

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund (MOPIX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MOPIX achieves a 30.52% return, which is significantly higher than MSXAX's 9.53% return. Over the past 10 years, MOPIX has underperformed MSXAX with an annualized return of 9.91%, while MSXAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.22% annualized return.

MOPIX

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 5.28%
• YTD: 30.52%
• 6M: 27.56%
• 1Y: 57.69%
• 3Y*: 23.88%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

MSXAX

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 9.53%
• 6M: 8.52%
• 1Y: 24.88%
• 3Y*: 20.76%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: 15.22%

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

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOPIX MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund	30.52%	12.69%	16.07%	10.97%	-19.00%	17.55%	10.04%	17.70%	-16.42%	15.68%
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	9.53%	17.26%	23.98%	25.96%	-18.52%	28.13%	17.86%	30.69%	-4.71%	21.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MOPIX and MSXAX is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2003	0.85

The correlation between MOPIX and MSXAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MOPIX vs. MSXAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOPIX

MOPIX Risk / Return Rank: 93
MOPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
MOPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
MOPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
MOPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MOPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

MSXAX

MSXAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
MSXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
MSXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
MSXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
MSXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
MSXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund (MOPIX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). 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.

	MOPIX	MSXAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.13	2.11	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.23	2.85	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.38	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.12	2.93	+3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.01	13.18	+9.83

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOPIX Sharpe Ratio is 3.13, which is higher than the MSXAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOPIX and MSXAX, 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

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOPIX drawdown since its inception was -68.08%, which is greater than MSXAX's maximum drawdown of -55.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOPIX and MSXAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOPIX	MSXAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.08%	-55.48%	-12.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-8.97%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.99%	-18.78%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.60%	-24.78%	-7.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.01%	-33.79%	-14.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.73%	+1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.10%	-7.15%	-1.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	1.99%	+0.62%

Volatility

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Volatility Comparison

MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund (MOPIX) has a higher volatility of 6.60% compared to NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX) at 4.66%. This indicates that MOPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSXAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MOPIX	MSXAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.60%	4.66%	+1.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.60%	9.91%	+4.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.25%	12.51%	+6.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.89%	17.00%	+5.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.44%	18.12%	+5.32%

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOPIX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than MSXAX's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOPIX vs. MSXAX - Dividend Comparison

MOPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than MSXAX's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MOPIX MainStay WMC Small Companies Fund	0.12%	0.15%	0.39%	0.33%	2.34%	29.42%	0.00%	0.50%	18.09%	8.32%	0.59%	0.37%
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	0.97%	1.06%	5.20%	4.04%	10.30%	4.44%	8.78%	17.42%	14.49%	15.18%	9.63%	5.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOPIX and MSXAX in my portfolio?

MOPIX and MSXAX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOPIX or MSXAX?

MOPIX has higher volatility (6.60%) compared to MSXAX (4.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOPIX dropped -68.08% vs MSXAX's -55.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MOPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.13 vs 2.11), 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.