MRBIX vs. SMTRX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MRBIX (MFS Total Return Bond Fund) and SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MRBIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for SMTRX.

Performance

MRBIX vs. SMTRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Total Return Bond Fund (MRBIX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MRBIX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 1.10%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 4.46%
• 5Y*: 0.18%
• 10Y*: 1.96%

SMTRX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MRBIX vs. SMTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MRBIX MFS Total Return Bond Fund	0.87%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.62%

Correlation

The correlation between MRBIX and SMTRX is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2026	0.87

Return for Risk

MRBIX vs. SMTRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRBIX

MRBIX Risk / Return Rank: 28
MRBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MRBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MRBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
MRBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
MRBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

SMTRX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. SMTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Total Return Bond Fund (MRBIX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). 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	SMTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.73	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.76	—	—

Drawdowns

MRBIX vs. SMTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRBIX drawdown since its inception was -19.25%, which is greater than SMTRX's maximum drawdown of -0.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRBIX and SMTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRBIX	SMTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.25%	-0.62%	-18.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.98%	0.00%	-0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.47%	-0.17%	-2.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MRBIX	SMTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.80%	3.93%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.74%	3.93%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.93%	3.93%	+1.00%

MRBIX vs. SMTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRBIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SMTRX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRBIX vs. SMTRX - Dividend Comparison

MRBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than SMTRX's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MRBIX MFS Total Return Bond Fund	4.15%	4.21%	3.69%	3.42%	2.39%	3.42%	3.00%	3.06%	2.87%	2.65%	3.02%	3.76%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRBIX and SMTRX in my portfolio?

MRBIX and SMTRX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.