VISAX vs. MIDLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VISAX (Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A) and MIDLX (MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - VISAX tracks the MSCI All Country World ex USA Small-Mid Cap Index while MIDLX tracks the MSCI All Country World ex-US Small Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VISAX returned 7.94%/yr vs 7.20%/yr for MIDLX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VISAX charges 1.44%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for MIDLX.

Performance

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) and MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6 (MIDLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISAX achieves a -0.93% return, which is significantly lower than MIDLX's 4.63% return. Over the past 10 years, VISAX has outperformed MIDLX with an annualized return of 7.94%, while MIDLX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.20% annualized return.

VISAX

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: -1.46%
• YTD: -0.93%
• 6M: -0.78%
• 1Y: -5.76%
• 3Y*: 9.07%
• 5Y*: -1.59%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

MIDLX

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: -1.51%
• YTD: 4.63%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: 7.69%
• 3Y*: 10.69%
• 5Y*: 2.99%
• 10Y*: 7.20%

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

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	-0.93%	13.92%	3.87%	21.99%	-34.52%	5.48%	24.02%	27.25%	-7.04%	28.20%
MIDLX MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6	4.63%	17.03%	3.33%	13.21%	-18.52%	5.17%	10.15%	24.97%	-10.29%	30.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VISAX and MIDLX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.79

The correlation between VISAX and MIDLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VISAX vs. MIDLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISAX

VISAX Risk / Return Rank: 2
VISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

MIDLX

MIDLX Risk / Return Rank: 11
MIDLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
MIDLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MIDLX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MIDLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
MIDLX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) and MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6 (MIDLX). 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.

	VISAX	MIDLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.35	0.75	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.42	1.13	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.14	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.30	0.78	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.65	2.62	-3.27

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.35, which is lower than the MIDLX Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISAX and MIDLX, 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

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISAX drawdown since its inception was -50.44%, which is greater than MIDLX's maximum drawdown of -34.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISAX and MIDLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISAX	MIDLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.44%	-34.70%	-15.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.06%	-11.75%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.68%	-13.15%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.44%	-33.58%	-16.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.44%	-34.70%	-15.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.77%	-3.77%	-10.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.50%	-6.90%	-4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.92%	3.47%	+3.45%

Volatility

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) is 4.12%, while MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6 (MIDLX) has a volatility of 4.81%. This indicates that VISAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MIDLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISAX	MIDLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	4.81%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.62%	10.34%	+0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.84%	12.14%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.25%	13.33%	+2.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.43%	13.84%	+1.59%

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISAX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than MIDLX's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISAX vs. MIDLX - Dividend Comparison

VISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%, more than MIDLX's 3.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MIDLX MFS International New Discovery Fund Class R6	3.22%	3.37%	10.08%	4.21%	5.85%	5.19%	4.03%	4.36%	6.82%	1.63%	1.09%	1.25%
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	3.33%	3.30%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	8.03%	0.90%	1.75%	1.12%	1.68%	2.54%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VISAX and MIDLX in my portfolio?

VISAX and MIDLX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VISAX or MIDLX?

MIDLX has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to VISAX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISAX dropped -50.44% vs MIDLX's -34.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MIDLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs -0.35), 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.