MRSIX vs. MIEIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MRSIX (MFS Research International Fund) and MIEIX (MFS International Equity Fund Class R6) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from MFS. Over the past 10 years, MRSIX returned 8.71%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for MIEIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MRSIX charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for MIEIX.

Performance

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Research International Fund (MRSIX) and MFS International Equity Fund Class R6 (MIEIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MRSIX achieves a 8.90% return, which is significantly higher than MIEIX's 3.25% return. Over the past 10 years, MRSIX has underperformed MIEIX with an annualized return of 8.71%, while MIEIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.82% annualized return.

MRSIX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 8.90%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 16.77%
• 3Y*: 12.87%
• 5Y*: 5.79%
• 10Y*: 8.71%

MIEIX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 3.25%
• 6M: 5.80%
• 1Y: 10.30%
• 3Y*: 12.08%
• 5Y*: 7.26%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MRSIX MFS Research International Fund	8.90%	22.61%	3.06%	13.44%	-17.33%	11.87%	13.18%	27.98%	-13.98%	28.38%
MIEIX MFS International Equity Fund Class R6	3.25%	23.22%	4.13%	19.06%	-14.82%	15.13%	11.11%	28.42%	-10.66%	28.01%

Correlation

The correlation between MRSIX and MIEIX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1997	0.96

The correlation between MRSIX and MIEIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MRSIX vs. MIEIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MRSIX

MRSIX Risk / Return Rank: 17
MRSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
MRSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
MRSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
MRSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
MRSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

MIEIX

MIEIX Risk / Return Rank: 9
MIEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
MIEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
MIEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
MIEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
MIEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Research International Fund (MRSIX) and MFS International Equity Fund Class R6 (MIEIX). 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.

	MRSIX	MIEIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	0.73	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	1.11	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.14	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	0.85	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.79	3.00	+1.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MRSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is higher than the MIEIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MRSIX and MIEIX, 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

	MRSIX	MIEIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	0.73	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.48	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	0.62	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.46	-0.08

Drawdowns

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MRSIX drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than MIEIX's maximum drawdown of -53.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MRSIX and MIEIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MRSIX	MIEIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-53.13%	-6.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.64%	-11.26%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.95%	-13.43%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.73%	-28.07%	-2.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.73%	-31.35%	+0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.90%	-1.48%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.75%	-8.98%	-3.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	3.19%	+0.15%

Volatility

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Research International Fund (MRSIX) has a higher volatility of 4.01% compared to MFS International Equity Fund Class R6 (MIEIX) at 3.45%. This indicates that MRSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MIEIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MRSIX	MIEIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	3.45%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	10.21%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	13.17%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.92%	15.34%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.46%	15.94%	-0.48%

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MRSIX has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than MIEIX's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

MRSIX vs. MIEIX - Dividend Comparison

MRSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.83%, more than MIEIX's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MIEIX MFS International Equity Fund Class R6	2.59%	2.68%	1.47%	1.67%	1.26%	5.40%	1.00%	3.12%	1.63%	1.85%	1.78%	1.71%
MRSIX MFS Research International Fund	4.83%	5.26%	2.00%	1.67%	1.57%	1.29%	0.92%	1.79%	5.48%	1.21%	1.97%	1.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MRSIX and MIEIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, MRSIX and MIEIX 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, MRSIX or MIEIX?

MRSIX has higher volatility (4.01%) compared to MIEIX (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MRSIX dropped -59.56% vs MIEIX's -53.13%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MRSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.73), 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.