MPFDX vs. DFTEX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MPFDX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio) and DFTEX (DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, MPFDX returned 3.13%/yr vs 2.40%/yr for DFTEX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MPFDX charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for DFTEX.

Performance

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio (MPFDX) and DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund (DFTEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MPFDX achieves a 0.48% return, which is significantly lower than DFTEX's 0.87% return. Over the past 10 years, MPFDX has outperformed DFTEX with an annualized return of 3.13%, while DFTEX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.40% annualized return.

MPFDX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.01%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.58%
• 1Y: 5.54%
• 3Y*: 5.78%
• 5Y*: 0.71%
• 10Y*: 3.13%

DFTEX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.87%
• 6M: 0.98%
• 1Y: 6.22%
• 3Y*: 5.91%
• 5Y*: 0.69%
• 10Y*: 2.40%

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

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MPFDX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio	0.48%	7.75%	2.69%	10.05%	-16.28%	-1.92%	10.32%	15.73%	-3.87%	6.91%
DFTEX DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund	0.87%	7.70%	2.89%	9.61%	-16.28%	-2.05%	10.26%	13.38%	-2.10%	5.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MPFDX and DFTEX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2012	0.91

The correlation between MPFDX and DFTEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MPFDX vs. DFTEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MPFDX

MPFDX Risk / Return Rank: 23
MPFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
MPFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
MPFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
MPFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MPFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

DFTEX

DFTEX Risk / Return Rank: 28
DFTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DFTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
DFTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DFTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
DFTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio (MPFDX) and DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund (DFTEX). 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.

	MPFDX	DFTEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.44	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	2.17	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.26	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.75	1.86	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.63	6.13	-0.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MPFDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the DFTEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MPFDX and DFTEX, 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

	MPFDX	DFTEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	1.44	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11	0.10	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.41	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.08	0.48	+0.60

Drawdowns

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MPFDX drawdown since its inception was -25.17%, which is greater than DFTEX's maximum drawdown of -22.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MPFDX and DFTEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MPFDX	DFTEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.17%	-22.83%	-2.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.06%	-3.22%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.46%	-5.38%	-1.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.81%	-22.83%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.17%	-22.83%	-2.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.44%	-0.94%	-1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-4.45%	+1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.95%	0.97%	-0.02%

Volatility

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio (MPFDX) and DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund (DFTEX) have volatilities of 1.36% and 1.34%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MPFDX	DFTEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	1.34%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.99%	3.06%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.12%	4.20%	-0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.46%	6.70%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.16%	5.88%	+0.28%

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MPFDX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than DFTEX's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

MPFDX vs. DFTEX - Dividend Comparison

MPFDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, less than DFTEX's 4.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFTEX DFA Intermediate-Term Extended Quality Portfolio Fund	4.93%	4.30%	4.27%	3.79%	3.25%	4.12%	3.31%	3.06%	3.24%	2.91%	2.88%	3.90%
MPFDX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Corporate Bond Portfolio	4.58%	4.58%	5.40%	4.41%	3.17%	4.74%	5.79%	2.98%	3.04%	2.92%	3.05%	3.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MPFDX and DFTEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, MPFDX and DFTEX 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, MPFDX or DFTEX?

MPFDX has higher volatility (1.36%) compared to DFTEX (1.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MPFDX dropped -25.17% vs DFTEX's -22.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.32), 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.