MQLFX vs. SWSBX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MQLFX (MFS Limited Maturity Fund) and SWSBX (Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, MQLFX returned 2.17%/yr vs 1.30%/yr for SWSBX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MQLFX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SWSBX.

Performance

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Limited Maturity Fund (MQLFX) and Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MQLFX achieves a 0.85% return, which is significantly higher than SWSBX's 0.34% return.

MQLFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.85%
• 6M: 1.07%
• 1Y: 4.23%
• 3Y*: 4.76%
• 5Y*: 2.17%
• 10Y*: 2.26%

SWSBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: 0.60%
• 1Y: 3.75%
• 3Y*: 4.12%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: —

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

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MQLFX MFS Limited Maturity Fund	0.85%	5.71%	4.44%	5.30%	-4.69%	-0.20%	4.20%	4.74%	1.17%	1.00%
SWSBX Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.34%	6.06%	3.42%	3.95%	-5.89%	-1.28%	4.47%	4.96%	1.34%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between MQLFX and SWSBX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2017	0.73

The correlation between MQLFX and SWSBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MQLFX vs. SWSBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MQLFX

MQLFX Risk / Return Rank: 58
MQLFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
MQLFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
MQLFX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MQLFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
MQLFX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SWSBX

SWSBX Risk / Return Rank: 38
SWSBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SWSBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SWSBX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
SWSBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SWSBX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Limited Maturity Fund (MQLFX) and Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX). 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.

	MQLFX	SWSBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.64	+0.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	2.77	+0.44
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.34	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.37	+0.65
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.73	7.75	+3.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MQLFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the SWSBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MQLFX and SWSBX, 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

	MQLFX	SWSBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.84	1.64	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91	0.44	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.04	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.54	0.77	+0.77

Drawdowns

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MQLFX drawdown since its inception was -7.14%, smaller than the maximum SWSBX drawdown of -9.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MQLFX and SWSBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MQLFX	SWSBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.14%	-9.06%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.35%	-1.54%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.35%	-1.79%	+0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.14%	-9.06%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-7.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-0.63%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-1.79%	+1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.35%	0.47%	-0.12%

Volatility

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Limited Maturity Fund (MQLFX) has a higher volatility of 0.80% compared to Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund (SWSBX) at 0.70%. This indicates that MQLFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWSBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MQLFX	SWSBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.80%	0.70%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.62%	1.62%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22%	2.23%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.40%	2.99%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.17%	2.47%	-0.30%

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MQLFX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than SWSBX's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

MQLFX vs. SWSBX - Dividend Comparison

MQLFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.33%, more than SWSBX's 4.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MQLFX MFS Limited Maturity Fund	4.33%	4.34%	3.47%	2.85%	1.38%	1.46%	2.27%	2.60%	2.18%	1.61%	1.27%	1.24%
SWSBX Schwab Short-Term Bond Index Fund	4.13%	4.09%	3.66%	2.36%	1.11%	0.97%	1.82%	2.41%	2.12%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MQLFX and SWSBX in my portfolio?

MQLFX and SWSBX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MQLFX or SWSBX?

MQLFX has higher volatility (0.80%) compared to SWSBX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MQLFX dropped -7.14% vs SWSBX's -9.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MQLFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.64), 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.