MWNIX vs. ACINX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MWNIX (MFS International New Discovery Fund) and ACINX (Columbia Acorn International Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MWNIX returned 6.48%/yr vs 4.68%/yr for ACINX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MWNIX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for ACINX.

Performance

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS International New Discovery Fund (MWNIX) and Columbia Acorn International Fund (ACINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MWNIX having a 7.72% return and ACINX slightly lower at 7.56%. Over the past 10 years, MWNIX has outperformed ACINX with an annualized return of 6.48%, while ACINX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.68% annualized return.

MWNIX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 1.48%
• YTD: 7.72%
• 6M: 7.82%
• 1Y: 12.59%
• 3Y*: 9.69%
• 5Y*: 3.31%
• 10Y*: 6.48%

ACINX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 7.56%
• 6M: 7.80%
• 1Y: 7.97%
• 3Y*: 4.78%
• 5Y*: -1.01%
• 10Y*: 4.68%

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

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MWNIX MFS International New Discovery Fund	7.72%	16.88%	0.90%	13.03%	-18.63%	5.06%	9.98%	22.85%	-10.41%	30.67%
ACINX Columbia Acorn International Fund	7.56%	12.52%	-6.57%	19.57%	-33.64%	12.92%	15.15%	29.84%	-18.35%	31.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MWNIX and ACINX is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 1997	0.89

The correlation between MWNIX and ACINX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MWNIX vs. ACINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MWNIX

MWNIX Risk / Return Rank: 13
MWNIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
MWNIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
MWNIX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MWNIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
MWNIX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

ACINX

ACINX Risk / Return Rank: 6
ACINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ACINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
ACINX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ACINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ACINX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS International New Discovery Fund (MWNIX) and Columbia Acorn International Fund (ACINX). 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.

	MWNIX	ACINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	0.39	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	0.69	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.08	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	0.50	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.36	1.58	+1.78

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MWNIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is higher than the ACINX Sharpe Ratio of 0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MWNIX and ACINX, 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

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MWNIX drawdown since its inception was -58.38%, roughly equal to the maximum ACINX drawdown of -60.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MWNIX and ACINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MWNIX	ACINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.38%	-60.92%	+2.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-14.23%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.12%	-22.22%	+7.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.67%	-46.12%	+12.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.72%	-46.12%	+11.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-13.77%	+12.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.56%	-15.71%	+6.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.47%	4.46%	-0.99%

Volatility

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS International New Discovery Fund (MWNIX) is 4.15%, while Columbia Acorn International Fund (ACINX) has a volatility of 5.43%. This indicates that MWNIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ACINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MWNIX	ACINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	5.43%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.06%	15.05%	-4.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.93%	17.87%	-5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.26%	19.21%	-5.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.99%	18.37%	-4.38%

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MWNIX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than ACINX's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

MWNIX vs. ACINX - Dividend Comparison

MWNIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, less than ACINX's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACINX Columbia Acorn International Fund	4.74%	5.92%	10.97%	0.00%	3.12%	16.16%	12.94%	11.09%	29.07%	6.17%	1.33%	5.34%
MWNIX MFS International New Discovery Fund	3.01%	3.24%	7.61%	4.05%	5.68%	5.06%	3.90%	2.67%	6.68%	1.63%	1.09%	1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MWNIX and ACINX in my portfolio?

MWNIX and ACINX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MWNIX or ACINX?

ACINX has higher volatility (5.43%) compared to MWNIX (4.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MWNIX dropped -58.38% vs ACINX's -60.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MWNIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.39), 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.