MSFRX vs. DGTSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSFRX (MFS Total Return Fund) and DGTSX (DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, MSFRX returned 8.08%/yr vs 5.28%/yr for DGTSX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSFRX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for DGTSX.

Performance

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) and DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio (DGTSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSFRX achieves a 2.35% return, which is significantly lower than DGTSX's 4.23% return. Over the past 10 years, MSFRX has outperformed DGTSX with an annualized return of 8.08%, while DGTSX has yielded a comparatively lower 5.28% annualized return.

MSFRX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: 2.35%
• 6M: 2.16%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: 11.90%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: 8.08%

DGTSX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 4.23%
• 6M: 4.08%
• 1Y: 9.62%
• 3Y*: 8.40%
• 5Y*: 5.27%
• 10Y*: 5.28%

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

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	2.35%	10.98%	14.73%	10.34%	-9.70%	14.00%	9.72%	20.20%	-5.80%	12.18%
DGTSX DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio	4.23%	8.39%	7.43%	8.93%	-8.06%	10.20%	7.29%	9.80%	-1.85%	5.83%

Correlation

The correlation between MSFRX and DGTSX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 26, 2003	0.89

The correlation between MSFRX and DGTSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MSFRX vs. DGTSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSFRX

MSFRX Risk / Return Rank: 32
MSFRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MSFRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MSFRX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MSFRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MSFRX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

DGTSX

DGTSX Risk / Return Rank: 88
DGTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
DGTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
DGTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DGTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
DGTSX 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.

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) and DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio (DGTSX). 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.

	MSFRX	DGTSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.77	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	4.13	-1.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.57	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	3.76	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.09	16.52	-10.42

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSFRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is lower than the DGTSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSFRX and DGTSX, 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

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSFRX drawdown since its inception was -37.28%, which is greater than DGTSX's maximum drawdown of -16.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFRX and DGTSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSFRX	DGTSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.28%	-16.71%	-20.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.96%	-2.64%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.56%	-7.46%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.02%	-11.26%	-5.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.70%	-11.26%	-13.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-0.20%	-2.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.00%	-1.64%	-3.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.71%	0.60%	+1.11%

Volatility

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) has a higher volatility of 2.04% compared to DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio (DGTSX) at 1.38%. This indicates that MSFRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGTSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSFRX	DGTSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.04%	1.38%	+0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.04%	2.97%	+2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.89%	3.60%	+3.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.75%	5.98%	+3.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.47%	5.24%	+5.23%

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSFRX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than DGTSX's 0.24% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSFRX vs. DGTSX - Dividend Comparison

MSFRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.85%, more than DGTSX's 5.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGTSX DFA Global Allocation 25/75 Portfolio	5.70%	5.54%	7.28%	4.75%	2.77%	7.62%	2.12%	2.57%	2.99%	1.25%	1.26%	1.50%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	8.85%	8.93%	14.87%	6.19%	5.38%	8.33%	6.93%	3.22%	4.99%	5.67%	3.54%	5.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSFRX and DGTSX in my portfolio?

MSFRX and DGTSX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSFRX or DGTSX?

MSFRX has higher volatility (2.04%) compared to DGTSX (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFRX dropped -37.28% vs DGTSX's -16.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 1.52), 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.