MRBIX vs. NPCT

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

MRBIX (MFS Total Return Bond Fund) and NPCT (Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, MRBIX returned -0.18%/yr vs -3.31%/yr for NPCT. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MRBIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 5.08%/yr for NPCT.

Performance

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Total Return Bond Fund (MRBIX) and Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRBIX achieves a -0.10% return, which is significantly lower than NPCT's 3.56% return.

MRBIX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -0.50%
• 6M: -0.20%
• YTD: -0.10%
• 1Y: 3.99%
• 3Y*: 4.02%
• 5Y*: -0.18%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

NPCT

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.60%
• 6M: 2.75%
• YTD: 3.56%
• 1Y: -0.08%
• 3Y*: 11.53%
• 5Y*: -3.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MRBIX MFS Total Return Bond Fund	-0.10%	7.35%	1.77%	6.45%	-14.52%	1.66%
NPCT Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund	3.56%	9.87%	17.23%	7.78%	-37.50%	-4.98%

Correlation

The correlation between MRBIX and NPCT 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	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2021	0.50

The correlation between MRBIX and NPCT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MRBIX vs. NPCT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRBIX

MRBIX Risk / Return Rank: 24
MRBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
MRBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
MRBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
MRBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MRBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

NPCT

NPCT Risk / Return Rank: 3
NPCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
NPCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
NPCT Omega Ratio Rank: 3
NPCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
NPCT Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Total Return Bond Fund (MRBIX) and Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT). 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.

	MRBIX	NPCT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	-0.01	+1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	0.06	+1.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.01	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	-0.01	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.80	-0.03	+3.82

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRBIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is higher than the NPCT Sharpe Ratio of -0.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRBIX and NPCT, 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

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRBIX drawdown since its inception was -19.25%, smaller than the maximum NPCT drawdown of -46.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRBIX and NPCT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRBIX	NPCT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.25%	-46.77%	+27.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	-6.79%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.29%	-12.59%	+6.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.25%	-46.77%	+27.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-15.93%	+14.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-25.03%	+22.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	3.00%	-1.98%

Volatility

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Total Return Bond Fund (MRBIX) is 1.11%, while Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT) has a volatility of 2.37%. This indicates that MRBIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NPCT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRBIX	NPCT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.11%	2.37%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.87%	7.48%	-4.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	9.78%	-6.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.74%	13.10%	-7.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.92%	12.99%	-8.07%

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRBIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than NPCT's 5.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRBIX vs. NPCT - Dividend Comparison

MRBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, less than NPCT's 12.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MRBIX MFS Total Return Bond Fund	4.19%	4.21%	3.69%	3.42%	2.39%	3.42%	3.00%	3.06%	2.87%	2.65%	3.02%	3.76%
NPCT Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund	12.26%	13.15%	12.20%	10.28%	11.93%	3.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRBIX and NPCT in my portfolio?

MRBIX and NPCT 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, MRBIX or NPCT?

NPCT has higher volatility (2.37%) compared to MRBIX (1.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRBIX dropped -19.25% vs NPCT's -46.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MRBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.05 vs -0.01), 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.