MRSAX vs. SSIFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MRSAX (MFS Research International A) and SSIFX (Sextant International Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX returned 8.44%/yr vs 11.94%/yr for SSIFX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MRSAX charges 1.04%/yr vs 1.27%/yr for SSIFX.

Performance

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and Sextant International Fund (SSIFX). 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 SSIFX's 20.94% return. Over the past 10 years, MRSAX has underperformed SSIFX with an annualized return of 8.44%, while SSIFX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.94% 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%

SSIFX

• 1D: 0.90%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 20.94%
• 6M: 20.62%
• 1Y: 34.21%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 11.94%

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

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - 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%
SSIFX Sextant International Fund	20.94%	22.73%	1.26%	24.82%	-22.62%	17.45%	15.09%	26.86%	-3.92%	25.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MRSAX and SSIFX is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1997	0.80

The correlation between MRSAX and SSIFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MRSAX vs. SSIFX — 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

SSIFX

SSIFX Risk / Return Rank: 43
SSIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SSIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SSIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SSIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SSIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. SSIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Research International A (MRSAX) and Sextant International Fund (SSIFX). 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	SSIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	1.81	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.51	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.31	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	2.89	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.68	10.04	-5.37
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. SSIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the SSIFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRSAX and SSIFX, 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	SSIFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	1.81	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.57	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.67	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.48	-0.11

Drawdowns

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.76%, which is greater than SSIFX's maximum drawdown of -56.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRSAX and SSIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRSAX	SSIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.76%	-56.24%	-3.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.68%	-12.38%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.05%	-20.44%	+6.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.93%	-34.21%	+3.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.93%	-34.21%	+3.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.98%	-0.43%	-1.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.09%	-11.82%	-1.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.55%	-0.20%

Volatility

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Research International A (MRSAX) is 4.05%, while Sextant International Fund (SSIFX) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that MRSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SSIFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRSAX	SSIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	6.38%	-2.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	15.80%	-5.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.33%	19.78%	-6.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.94%	18.82%	-3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.46%	18.00%	-2.54%

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRSAX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SSIFX's 1.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRSAX vs. SSIFX - Dividend Comparison

MRSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.81%, less than SSIFX's 13.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SSIFX Sextant International Fund	13.32%	15.83%	0.54%	0.34%	0.00%	8.32%	0.36%	3.57%	8.03%	8.94%	1.30%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRSAX and SSIFX in my portfolio?

MRSAX and SSIFX have a correlation of 0.76, 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 SSIFX?

SSIFX has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to MRSAX (4.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRSAX dropped -59.76% vs SSIFX's -56.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 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.