MSFRX vs. IJR
MSFRX (MFS Total Return Fund) and IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - MSFRX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS, while IJR is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. Over the past 10 years, MSFRX returned 7.96%/yr vs 10.61%/yr for IJR. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSFRX charges 0.72%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IJR.
Performance
MSFRX vs. IJR - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MSFRX achieves a 3.29% return, which is significantly lower than IJR's 15.49% return. Over the past 10 years, MSFRX has underperformed IJR with an annualized return of 7.96%, while IJR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.61% annualized return.
MSFRX
- 1D
- -0.20%
- 1M
- 1.08%
- YTD
- 3.29%
- 6M
- 4.86%
- 1Y
- 11.70%
- 3Y*
- 12.50%
- 5Y*
- 6.28%
- 10Y*
- 7.96%
IJR
- 1D
- 0.65%
- 1M
- 0.17%
- YTD
- 15.49%
- 6M
- 15.12%
- 1Y
- 30.47%
- 3Y*
- 13.78%
- 5Y*
- 5.37%
- 10Y*
- 10.61%
MSFRX vs. IJR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund | 3.29% | 10.98% | 14.73% | 10.34% | -9.70% | 14.00% | 9.72% | 20.20% | -5.80% | 12.18% |
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF | 15.49% | 5.89% | 8.63% | 16.06% | -16.20% | 26.58% | 11.28% | 22.82% | -8.51% | 13.15% |
Correlation
The correlation between MSFRX and IJR is 0.78, 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 | 0.78 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.81 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.83 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.81 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2000 | 0.82 |
The correlation between MSFRX and IJR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MSFRX vs. IJR — Risk / Return Rank
MSFRX
IJR
MSFRX vs. IJR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR). 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.
| MSFRX | IJR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.05 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.18 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.30 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.45 | 3.52 | -1.07 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.28 | 11.72 | -4.44 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| MSFRX | IJR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.79 | 1.74 | +0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.65 | 0.25 | +0.40 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.76 | 0.47 | +0.30 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.65 | 0.43 | +0.22 |
Drawdowns
MSFRX vs. IJR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MSFRX drawdown since its inception was -37.28%, smaller than the maximum IJR drawdown of -58.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFRX and IJR.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MSFRX | IJR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -37.28% | -58.15% | +20.87% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -4.96% | -8.68% | +3.72% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -8.56% | -28.02% | +19.46% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.02% | -28.02% | +11.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -24.70% | -44.36% | +19.66% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.86% | -1.20% | -0.66% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.00% | -9.28% | +4.28% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.67% | 2.61% | -0.94% |
Volatility
MSFRX vs. IJR - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) is 1.78%, while iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) has a volatility of 4.73%. This indicates that MSFRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IJR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MSFRX | IJR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.78% | 4.73% | -2.95% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 4.93% | 11.82% | -6.89% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 6.78% | 17.63% | -10.85% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 9.74% | 21.42% | -11.68% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 10.45% | 22.92% | -12.47% |
MSFRX vs. IJR - Expense Ratio Comparison
MSFRX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is higher than IJR's 0.06% expense ratio.
Dividends
MSFRX vs. IJR - Dividend Comparison
MSFRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.77%, more than IJR's 1.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IJR iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF | 1.15% | 1.44% | 2.05% | 1.31% | 1.41% | 1.53% | 1.11% | 1.44% | 1.58% | 1.20% | 1.22% | 1.48% |
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund | 8.77% | 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
MSFRX and IJR have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IJR has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to MSFRX (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFRX dropped -37.28% vs IJR's -58.15%.
MSFRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.74), 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.
Find the right allocation for MSFRX and IJR
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer