MXLSX vs. MXISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MXLSX (Great-West Small Cap Value Fund) and MXISX (Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - MXLSX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Great-West, while MXISX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Great-West. Over the past 10 years, MXLSX returned 9.51%/yr vs 10.18%/yr for MXISX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MXLSX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for MXISX.

Performance

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Small Cap Value Fund (MXLSX) 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

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MXLSX having a 18.78% return and MXISX slightly higher at 19.44%. Over the past 10 years, MXLSX has underperformed MXISX with an annualized return of 9.51%, while MXISX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.18% annualized return.

MXLSX

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: 4.39%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: 16.31%
• 1Y: 30.34%
• 3Y*: 14.18%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

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)

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXLSX Great-West Small Cap Value Fund	18.78%	4.08%	8.20%	17.81%	-10.07%	31.12%	2.84%	24.67%	-16.64%	8.44%
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 MXLSX and MXISX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 1994	0.93

The correlation between MXLSX and MXISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MXLSX vs. MXISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXLSX

MXLSX Risk / Return Rank: 55
MXLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MXLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MXLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
MXLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
MXLSX 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.

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Small Cap Value Fund (MXLSX) 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.

	MXLSX	MXISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.12	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.04	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.21	4.28	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.14	14.36	-4.21

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXLSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the MXISX Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXLSX 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

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXLSX drawdown since its inception was -60.41%, smaller than the maximum MXISX drawdown of -70.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXLSX and MXISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXLSX	MXISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.41%	-70.66%	+10.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-8.75%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.04%	-28.07%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-28.07%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.52%	-44.78%	+1.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.12%	-21.83%	+9.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	2.58%	+0.49%

Volatility

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Great-West Small Cap Value Fund (MXLSX) is 4.36%, while Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX) has a volatility of 5.21%. This indicates that MXLSX 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

	MXLSX	MXISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	5.21%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	12.10%	-0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.51%	17.67%	-1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.83%	21.77%	-0.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.31%	23.86%	-1.55%

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXLSX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than MXISX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXLSX vs. MXISX - Dividend Comparison

MXLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than MXISX's 6.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
MXLSX Great-West Small Cap Value Fund	0.40%	0.48%	1.07%	2.24%	2.93%	6.23%	0.23%	0.47%	2.92%	5.29%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXLSX and MXISX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MXLSX and MXISX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MXLSX or MXISX?

MXISX has higher volatility (5.21%) compared to MXLSX (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXLSX dropped -60.41% vs MXISX's -70.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.92), 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.