MRSAX vs. GIOTX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MRSAX (MFS Research International A) and GIOTX (GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX returned 8.68%/yr vs 12.05%/yr for GIOTX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MRSAX charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for GIOTX.

Performance

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund (GIOTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRSAX achieves a 10.53% return, which is significantly lower than GIOTX's 18.20% return. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX has underperformed GIOTX with an annualized return of 8.68%, while GIOTX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.05% annualized return.

MRSAX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.09%
• 6M: 7.00%
• YTD: 10.53%
• 1Y: 17.24%
• 3Y*: 13.10%
• 5Y*: 5.99%
• 10Y*: 8.68%

GIOTX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: -0.14%
• 6M: 14.30%
• YTD: 18.20%
• 1Y: 38.74%
• 3Y*: 26.68%
• 5Y*: 14.46%
• 10Y*: 12.05%

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

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MRSAX MFS Research International A	10.53%	22.31%	2.83%	13.11%	-17.52%	11.62%	12.90%	27.67%	-14.20%	28.05%
GIOTX GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund	18.20%	43.70%	10.66%	21.03%	-12.41%	11.14%	7.43%	24.45%	-19.66%	26.38%

Correlation

The correlation between MRSAX and GIOTX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2007	0.94

The correlation between MRSAX and GIOTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MRSAX vs. GIOTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRSAX

MRSAX Risk / Return Rank: 28
MRSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
MRSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
MRSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
MRSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MRSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

GIOTX

GIOTX Risk / Return Rank: 87
GIOTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
GIOTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
GIOTX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GIOTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GIOTX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund (GIOTX). 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.

	MRSAX	GIOTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	2.35	-1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	3.23	-1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.43	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	3.54	-2.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.79	13.70	-8.91

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the GIOTX Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRSAX and GIOTX, 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

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.76%, which is greater than GIOTX's maximum drawdown of -56.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRSAX and GIOTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRSAX	GIOTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.76%	-56.51%	-3.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.68%	-10.66%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.05%	-13.40%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.93%	-28.34%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.93%	-39.29%	+8.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-1.16%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.05%	-14.17%	+1.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	2.76%	+0.64%

Volatility

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Research International A (MRSAX) is 4.73%, while GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund (GIOTX) has a volatility of 5.59%. This indicates that MRSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GIOTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRSAX	GIOTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	5.59%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	13.20%	-1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.97%	16.05%	-2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.07%	15.51%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.18%	16.13%	-0.95%

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRSAX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than GIOTX's 0.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRSAX vs. GIOTX - Dividend Comparison

MRSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, less than GIOTX's 8.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GIOTX GMO International Developed Equity Allocation Fund	8.62%	8.04%	5.07%	6.54%	4.45%	6.67%	4.48%	3.74%	3.90%	3.15%	4.04%	3.39%
MRSAX MFS Research International A	4.73%	5.23%	1.81%	1.49%	1.37%	1.04%	0.73%	1.63%	5.41%	1.04%	1.71%	1.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRSAX and GIOTX in my portfolio?

MRSAX and GIOTX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MRSAX or GIOTX?

GIOTX has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to MRSAX (4.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRSAX dropped -59.76% vs GIOTX's -56.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GIOTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.17), 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.