SCSAX vs. MSXAX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SCSAX (Allspring Common Stock Fund) and MSXAX (NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A) are both mutual funds - SCSAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments, while MSXAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, SCSAX returned 10.61%/yr vs 15.07%/yr for MSXAX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCSAX charges 1.25%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for MSXAX.

Performance

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Common Stock Fund (SCSAX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). 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 SCSAX having a 11.76% return and MSXAX slightly lower at 11.33%. Over the past 10 years, SCSAX has underperformed MSXAX with an annualized return of 10.61%, while MSXAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.07% annualized return.

SCSAX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 3.83%
• YTD: 11.76%
• 6M: 12.91%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 4.17%
• 10Y*: 10.61%

MSXAX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 5.19%
• YTD: 11.33%
• 6M: 11.64%
• 1Y: 28.89%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 13.60%
• 10Y*: 15.07%

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

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCSAX Allspring Common Stock Fund	11.76%	1.44%	6.51%	15.90%	-17.71%	21.14%	15.34%	47.23%	-10.02%	17.54%
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	11.33%	17.26%	23.98%	25.96%	-18.52%	28.13%	17.86%	30.69%	-4.71%	21.07%

Correlation

The correlation between SCSAX and MSXAX 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	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2004	0.89

The correlation between SCSAX and MSXAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SCSAX vs. MSXAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCSAX

SCSAX Risk / Return Rank: 17
SCSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SCSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SCSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
SCSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
SCSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

MSXAX

MSXAX Risk / Return Rank: 72
MSXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
MSXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MSXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MSXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
MSXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Common Stock Fund (SCSAX) and NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX). 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.

	SCSAX	MSXAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	2.50	-1.37
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	3.40	-1.66
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.45	-0.25
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	3.34	-1.82
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.36	15.58	-10.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCSAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the MSXAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCSAX and MSXAX, 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

	SCSAX	MSXAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	2.50	-1.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18	0.81	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.84	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.56	-0.17

Drawdowns

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCSAX drawdown since its inception was -53.49%, roughly equal to the maximum MSXAX drawdown of -55.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCSAX and MSXAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCSAX	MSXAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.49%	-55.48%	+1.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.68%	-8.97%	-3.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.64%	-18.78%	-7.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.46%	-24.78%	-13.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.63%	-33.79%	-11.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.35%	0.00%	-3.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.29%	-7.17%	-3.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	1.92%	+1.69%

Volatility

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Common Stock Fund (SCSAX) has a higher volatility of 5.79% compared to NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A (MSXAX) at 2.82%. This indicates that SCSAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSXAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCSAX	MSXAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.79%	2.82%	+2.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.74%	9.01%	+4.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.97%	11.90%	+6.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.84%	16.91%	+6.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.00%	18.07%	+5.93%

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCSAX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than MSXAX's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCSAX vs. MSXAX - Dividend Comparison

SCSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, more than MSXAX's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSXAX NYLI S&P 500 Index Class A	0.95%	1.06%	5.20%	4.04%	10.30%	4.44%	8.78%	17.42%	14.49%	15.18%	9.63%	5.53%
SCSAX Allspring Common Stock Fund	3.95%	4.42%	6.38%	3.56%	17.66%	19.38%	4.87%	26.88%	18.74%	11.05%	3.82%	12.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCSAX and MSXAX in my portfolio?

SCSAX and MSXAX 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, SCSAX or MSXAX?

SCSAX has higher volatility (5.79%) compared to MSXAX (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCSAX dropped -53.49% vs MSXAX's -55.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSXAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.13), 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.