MWTIX vs. MWUSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MWTIX (Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I) and MWUSX (Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - MWTIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Metropolitan West Funds, while MWUSX is a Ultrashort Bond fund managed by Metropolitan West Funds. Over the past 10 years, MWTIX returned 1.63%/yr vs 1.93%/yr for MWUSX. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MWTIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MWUSX.

Performance

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I (MWTIX) and Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund (MWUSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MWTIX achieves a 0.24% return, which is significantly lower than MWUSX's 1.16% return. Over the past 10 years, MWTIX has underperformed MWUSX with an annualized return of 1.63%, while MWUSX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.93% annualized return.

MWTIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.16%
• 1Y: 5.62%
• 3Y*: 3.94%
• 5Y*: -0.37%
• 10Y*: 1.63%

MWUSX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 1.63%
• 1Y: 4.43%
• 3Y*: 4.45%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: 1.93%

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

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MWTIX Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I	0.24%	7.51%	0.77%	6.02%	-15.49%	-1.32%	9.00%	9.10%	0.36%	3.43%
MWUSX Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund	1.16%	5.15%	4.44%	4.09%	-2.78%	-0.30%	1.18%	2.95%	2.36%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between MWTIX and MWUSX is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2003	0.40

The correlation between MWTIX and MWUSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (all time) to 0.62 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MWTIX vs. MWUSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MWTIX

MWTIX Risk / Return Rank: 20
MWTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
MWTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
MWTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
MWTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
MWTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

MWUSX

MWUSX Risk / Return Rank: 86
MWUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
MWUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
MWUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
MWUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MWUSX 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.

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I (MWTIX) and Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund (MWUSX). 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.

	MWTIX	MWUSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	2.21	-0.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	4.08	-2.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.91	-0.68
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	6.21	-4.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.11	29.29	-24.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MWTIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is lower than the MWUSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MWTIX and MWUSX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MWTIX	MWUSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29	2.21	-0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.06	0.95	-1.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31	1.02	-0.71
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.82	+0.10

Drawdowns

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MWTIX drawdown since its inception was -20.58%, smaller than the maximum MWUSX drawdown of -25.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MWTIX and MWUSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MWTIX	MWUSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.58%	-25.25%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.34%	-0.72%	-2.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.09%	-1.10%	-5.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.51%	-5.06%	-15.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.58%	-5.06%	-15.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.98%	0.00%	-3.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-1.76%	-1.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	0.15%	+0.95%

Volatility

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Volatility Comparison

Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I (MWTIX) has a higher volatility of 1.54% compared to Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund (MWUSX) at 0.47%. This indicates that MWTIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MWUSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MWTIX	MWUSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.54%	0.47%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.20%	1.43%	+1.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.40%	2.01%	+2.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.64%	2.47%	+4.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.33%	1.91%	+3.42%

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MWTIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than MWUSX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MWTIX vs. MWUSX - Dividend Comparison

MWTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.06%, more than MWUSX's 3.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MWTIX Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class I	4.06%	3.89%	4.38%	4.11%	2.08%	1.12%	6.48%	3.61%	2.91%	2.14%	3.35%	2.94%
MWUSX Metropolitan West Ultra Short Bond Fund	3.85%	3.80%	3.59%	3.25%	1.28%	0.41%	0.93%	2.67%	2.56%	1.06%	1.18%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MWTIX and MWUSX in my portfolio?

MWTIX and MWUSX have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MWTIX or MWUSX?

MWTIX has higher volatility (1.54%) compared to MWUSX (0.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MWTIX dropped -20.58% vs MWUSX's -25.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MWUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.29), 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.