MSTDX vs. DLBMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSTDX (MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund) and DLBMX (MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund) are both mutual funds - MSTDX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by MassMutual, while DLBMX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by MassMutual. Over the past 10 years, MSTDX returned 2.02%/yr vs 15.23%/yr for DLBMX. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. MSTDX charges 0.51%/yr vs 1.20%/yr for DLBMX.

Performance

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund (MSTDX) and MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund (DLBMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTDX achieves a 0.63% return, which is significantly lower than DLBMX's 17.27% return. Over the past 10 years, MSTDX has underperformed DLBMX with an annualized return of 2.02%, while DLBMX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.23% annualized return.

MSTDX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.63%
• 6M: 1.24%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: 5.62%
• 5Y*: 1.27%
• 10Y*: 2.02%

DLBMX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 17.27%
• 6M: 14.56%
• 1Y: 27.42%
• 3Y*: 16.82%
• 5Y*: 14.58%
• 10Y*: 15.23%

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

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSTDX MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund	0.63%	6.18%	6.38%	5.88%	-11.19%	1.79%	2.29%	4.49%	1.68%	2.61%
DLBMX MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund	17.27%	8.07%	12.30%	17.43%	-16.19%	64.90%	19.75%	25.54%	-11.14%	13.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTDX and DLBMX is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 1998	-0.08

The correlation between MSTDX and DLBMX shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (all time) to 0.20 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MSTDX vs. DLBMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTDX

MSTDX Risk / Return Rank: 84
MSTDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
MSTDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
MSTDX Omega Ratio Rank: 88
MSTDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
MSTDX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

DLBMX

DLBMX Risk / Return Rank: 39
DLBMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DLBMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DLBMX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
DLBMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLBMX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund (MSTDX) and MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund (DLBMX). 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.

	MSTDX	DLBMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.63	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.12	2.36	+1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.28	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	2.33	+1.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.91	8.96	+6.95

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is higher than the DLBMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTDX and DLBMX, 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

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTDX drawdown since its inception was -13.31%, smaller than the maximum DLBMX drawdown of -65.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTDX and DLBMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTDX	DLBMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.31%	-65.12%	+51.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.06%	-12.42%	+11.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.06%	-24.84%	+23.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.31%	-29.39%	+16.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-13.31%	-42.55%	+29.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-10.19%	+8.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	3.22%	-2.96%

Volatility

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund (MSTDX) is 0.64%, while MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund (DLBMX) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that MSTDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DLBMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTDX	DLBMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	5.50%	-4.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.40%	13.35%	-11.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.84%	17.73%	-15.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.34%	31.72%	-29.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.06%	28.22%	-26.16%

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTDX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is lower than DLBMX's 1.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTDX vs. DLBMX - Dividend Comparison

MSTDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, less than DLBMX's 8.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLBMX MassMutual Small Cap Opportunities Fund	8.62%	10.11%	9.33%	4.73%	0.88%	35.42%	7.82%	0.46%	11.94%	13.55%	3.14%	11.15%
MSTDX MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund	4.45%	4.36%	2.63%	2.48%	1.46%	1.90%	4.44%	3.35%	3.82%	2.51%	2.36%	2.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTDX and DLBMX in my portfolio?

MSTDX and DLBMX have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSTDX or DLBMX?

DLBMX has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to MSTDX (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTDX dropped -13.31% vs DLBMX's -65.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSTDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.63), 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.