VISAX vs. MWNIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VISAX (Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A) and MWNIX (MFS International New Discovery Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VISAX returned 7.85%/yr vs 6.33%/yr for MWNIX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VISAX charges 1.44%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for MWNIX.

Performance

VISAX vs. MWNIX - 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 (MWNIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VISAX achieves a 0.05% return, which is significantly lower than MWNIX's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, VISAX has outperformed MWNIX with an annualized return of 7.85%, while MWNIX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.33% annualized return.

VISAX

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 1.90%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 1.68%
• 1Y: -3.97%
• 3Y*: 9.65%
• 5Y*: -1.18%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

MWNIX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.42%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 7.86%
• 1Y: 11.22%
• 3Y*: 10.11%
• 5Y*: 3.01%
• 10Y*: 6.33%

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

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	0.05%	13.92%	3.87%	21.99%	-34.52%	5.48%	24.02%	27.25%	-7.04%	28.20%
MWNIX MFS International New Discovery Fund	6.86%	16.88%	0.90%	13.03%	-18.63%	5.06%	9.98%	22.85%	-10.41%	30.67%

Correlation

The correlation between VISAX and MWNIX 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 3, 2013	0.79

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

Return for Risk

VISAX vs. MWNIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VISAX

VISAX Risk / Return Rank: 1
VISAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
VISAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
VISAX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
VISAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
VISAX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

MWNIX

MWNIX Risk / Return Rank: 11
MWNIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
MWNIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
MWNIX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
MWNIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MWNIX 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. MWNIX - 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 (MWNIX). 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.

	VISAX	MWNIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.34	0.93	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.41	1.39	-1.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.17	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.28	0.90	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.63	3.10	-3.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VISAX Sharpe Ratio is -0.34, which is lower than the MWNIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VISAX and MWNIX, 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

	VISAX	MWNIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.34	0.93	-1.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.07	0.23	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.45	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.58	-0.03

Drawdowns

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VISAX drawdown since its inception was -50.44%, smaller than the maximum MWNIX drawdown of -58.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VISAX and MWNIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VISAX	MWNIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.44%	-58.38%	+7.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.06%	-11.78%	-3.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.68%	-15.12%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.44%	-33.67%	-16.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.44%	-34.72%	-15.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.91%	-1.69%	-11.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.49%	-9.57%	-1.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.72%	3.42%	+3.30%

Volatility

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A (VISAX) has a higher volatility of 3.77% compared to MFS International New Discovery Fund (MWNIX) at 3.50%. This indicates that VISAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MWNIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VISAX	MWNIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.77%	3.50%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	9.49%	+0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.51%	11.54%	+0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	13.18%	+3.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.45%	13.99%	+1.46%

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VISAX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than MWNIX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VISAX vs. MWNIX - Dividend Comparison

VISAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, more than MWNIX's 3.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MWNIX MFS International New Discovery Fund	3.03%	3.24%	7.61%	4.05%	5.68%	5.06%	3.90%	2.67%	6.68%	1.63%	1.09%	1.12%
VISAX Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund Class A	3.30%	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 MWNIX in my portfolio?

VISAX and MWNIX 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 MWNIX?

VISAX has higher volatility (3.77%) compared to MWNIX (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VISAX dropped -50.44% vs MWNIX's -58.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MWNIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs -0.34), 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.