MXFLX vs. MXISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MXFLX (Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund) and MXISX (Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - MXFLX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Great-West, while MXISX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Great-West. Over the past 10 years, MXFLX returned 6.48%/yr vs 10.18%/yr for MXISX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MXFLX charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for MXISX.

Performance

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund (MXFLX) and Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MXFLX achieves a 5.77% return, which is significantly lower than MXISX's 19.44% return. Over the past 10 years, MXFLX has underperformed MXISX with an annualized return of 6.48%, while MXISX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.18% annualized return.

MXFLX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 1.04%
• YTD: 5.77%
• 6M: 5.57%
• 1Y: 13.86%
• 3Y*: 9.95%
• 5Y*: 4.83%
• 10Y*: 6.48%

MXISX

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: 4.54%
• YTD: 19.44%
• 6M: 16.40%
• 1Y: 35.87%
• 3Y*: 14.16%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 10.18%

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

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXFLX Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund	5.77%	11.57%	7.09%	11.99%	-14.12%	10.22%	11.94%	18.42%	-6.57%	11.28%
MXISX Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund	19.44%	5.53%	7.87%	14.61%	-16.60%	26.08%	10.73%	21.46%	-9.22%	11.80%

Correlation

The correlation between MXFLX and MXISX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2009	0.76

The correlation between MXFLX and MXISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MXFLX vs. MXISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXFLX

MXFLX Risk / Return Rank: 47
MXFLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MXFLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
MXFLX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
MXFLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MXFLX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

MXISX

MXISX Risk / Return Rank: 70
MXISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MXISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MXISX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
MXISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
MXISX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund (MXFLX) and Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX). 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.

	MXFLX	MXISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.12	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	3.04	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	4.28	-1.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.19	14.36	-4.16

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXFLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the MXISX Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXFLX and MXISX, 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

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXFLX drawdown since its inception was -28.46%, smaller than the maximum MXISX drawdown of -70.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXFLX and MXISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXFLX	MXISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.46%	-70.66%	+42.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.59%	-8.75%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.29%	-28.07%	+19.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.50%	-28.07%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.50%	-44.78%	+21.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.14%	-21.83%	+14.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.35%	2.58%	-1.23%

Volatility

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund (MXFLX) is 2.71%, while Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX) has a volatility of 5.21%. This indicates that MXFLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MXISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXFLX	MXISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	5.21%	-2.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.81%	12.10%	-6.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.67%	17.67%	-10.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.08%	21.77%	-11.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.36%	23.86%	-13.50%

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXFLX has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is lower than MXISX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXFLX vs. MXISX - Dividend Comparison

MXFLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.74%, less than MXISX's 6.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXFLX Great-West Lifetime 2025 Fund	3.74%	3.95%	4.67%	4.22%	7.28%	8.85%	4.06%	7.19%	7.82%	2.97%	0.00%	0.00%
MXISX Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund	6.24%	7.45%	4.53%	2.41%	6.55%	10.79%	6.55%	6.71%	14.30%	8.68%	4.94%	10.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXFLX and MXISX in my portfolio?

MXFLX and MXISX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MXFLX or MXISX?

MXISX has higher volatility (5.21%) compared to MXFLX (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXFLX dropped -28.46% vs MXISX's -70.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.79), 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.