MSCVX vs. MDHVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSCVX (MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund) and MDHVX (MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund) are both mutual funds - MSCVX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by MainStay, while MDHVX is a High Yield Bonds fund managed by MainStay. Over the past 10 years, MSCVX returned 2.01%/yr vs 4.63%/yr for MDHVX. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSCVX charges 0.77%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for MDHVX.

Performance

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund (MSCVX) and MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund (MDHVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MSCVX having a 1.78% return and MDHVX slightly higher at 1.85%. Over the past 10 years, MSCVX has underperformed MDHVX with an annualized return of 2.01%, while MDHVX has yielded a comparatively higher 4.63% annualized return.

MSCVX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 1.78%
• 6M: 2.17%
• 1Y: 6.80%
• 3Y*: 4.01%
• 5Y*: 0.54%
• 10Y*: 2.01%

MDHVX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 1.85%
• 6M: 2.07%
• 1Y: 4.67%
• 3Y*: 6.53%
• 5Y*: 4.25%
• 10Y*: 4.63%

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

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSCVX MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund	1.78%	3.53%	2.74%	6.09%	-11.16%	2.34%	4.75%	8.39%	1.67%	6.35%
MDHVX MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund	1.85%	5.38%	6.51%	9.86%	-2.81%	4.38%	2.92%	9.00%	-0.13%	4.30%

Correlation

The correlation between MSCVX and MDHVX is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.14

The correlation between MSCVX and MDHVX shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (all time) to 0.34 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MSCVX vs. MDHVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSCVX

MSCVX Risk / Return Rank: 70
MSCVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
MSCVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
MSCVX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
MSCVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
MSCVX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

MDHVX

MDHVX Risk / Return Rank: 92
MDHVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
MDHVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
MDHVX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
MDHVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
MDHVX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund (MSCVX) and MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund (MDHVX). 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.

	MSCVX	MDHVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	2.73	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.14	4.06	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.67	1.70	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	4.69	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.81	23.17	-15.36

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSCVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is comparable to the MDHVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSCVX and MDHVX, 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

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSCVX drawdown since its inception was -17.13%, smaller than the maximum MDHVX drawdown of -18.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSCVX and MDHVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSCVX	MDHVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.13%	-18.04%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.97%	-1.06%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.10%	-2.65%	-3.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.13%	-6.26%	-10.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.13%	-18.04%	+0.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	0.00%	-0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-0.77%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.89%	0.21%	+0.68%

Volatility

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Volatility Comparison

MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund (MSCVX) has a higher volatility of 0.78% compared to MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund (MDHVX) at 0.40%. This indicates that MSCVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MDHVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSCVX	MDHVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.78%	0.40%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.06%	1.42%	+0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64%	1.82%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.46%	2.59%	+1.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.68%	3.42%	+1.26%

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSCVX has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is lower than MDHVX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSCVX vs. MDHVX - Dividend Comparison

MSCVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.27%, less than MDHVX's 5.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDHVX MainStay MacKay Short Duration High Yield Fund	5.33%	5.47%	6.01%	5.53%	4.31%	3.80%	4.44%	4.37%	4.33%	4.03%	4.95%	4.87%
MSCVX MainStay MacKay California Tax Free Opportunities Fund	3.27%	4.45%	3.84%	2.84%	2.81%	2.13%	2.48%	2.78%	3.01%	3.07%	3.16%	3.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSCVX and MDHVX in my portfolio?

MSCVX and MDHVX have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSCVX or MDHVX?

MSCVX has higher volatility (0.78%) compared to MDHVX (0.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSCVX dropped -17.13% vs MDHVX's -18.04%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDHVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.65), 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.