MRSAX vs. MDIJX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MRSAX (MFS Research International A) and MDIJX (MFS International Diversification Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from MFS. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX returned 8.44%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for MDIJX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MRSAX charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.82%/yr for MDIJX.

Performance

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRSAX achieves a 8.77% return, which is significantly lower than MDIJX's 10.27% return. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX has underperformed MDIJX with an annualized return of 8.44%, while MDIJX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.90% annualized return.

MRSAX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 3.55%
• YTD: 8.77%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 16.49%
• 3Y*: 12.58%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: 8.44%

MDIJX

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 4.51%
• YTD: 10.27%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 22.89%
• 3Y*: 16.34%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

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

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MRSAX MFS Research International A	8.77%	22.31%	2.83%	13.11%	-17.52%	11.62%	12.90%	27.67%	-14.20%	28.05%
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	10.27%	27.84%	6.41%	14.37%	-17.12%	7.69%	15.26%	26.00%	-11.05%	30.29%

Correlation

The correlation between MRSAX and MDIJX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2004	0.98

The correlation between MRSAX and MDIJX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MRSAX vs. MDIJX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRSAX

MRSAX Risk / Return Rank: 17
MRSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
MRSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
MRSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
MRSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
MRSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

MDIJX

MDIJX Risk / Return Rank: 35
MDIJX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MDIJX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
MDIJX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MDIJX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
MDIJX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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. MDIJX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX). 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.

	MRSAX	MDIJX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	1.79	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.54	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.33	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	1.96	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.68	7.43	-2.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the MDIJX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRSAX and MDIJX, 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

	MRSAX	MDIJX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	1.79	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.51	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.68	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.47	-0.10

Drawdowns

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.76%, which is greater than MDIJX's maximum drawdown of -56.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRSAX and MDIJX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRSAX	MDIJX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.76%	-56.60%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.68%	-11.40%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.05%	-12.57%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.93%	-30.19%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.93%	-30.19%	-0.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	0.00%	-1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.09%	-9.09%	-4.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.01%	+0.34%

Volatility

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and MFS International Diversification Fund (MDIJX) have volatilities of 4.05% and 3.98%, 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

	MRSAX	MDIJX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	3.98%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	10.17%	+0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.33%	12.51%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.94%	14.22%	+0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.46%	14.70%	+0.76%

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRSAX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than MDIJX's 0.82% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRSAX vs. MDIJX - Dividend Comparison

MRSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.81%, more than MDIJX's 4.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDIJX MFS International Diversification Fund	4.69%	5.17%	3.50%	4.14%	2.64%	2.70%	1.64%	2.50%	3.14%	1.63%	2.18%	1.69%
MRSAX MFS Research International A	4.81%	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 MDIJX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MRSAX and MDIJX 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, MRSAX or MDIJX?

MRSAX has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to MDIJX (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRSAX dropped -59.76% vs MDIJX's -56.60%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDIJX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.18), 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.