On June 4, MFS expanded its ETF suite with the launch of the MFS Blended Research Small-Mid Cap ETF (BRSM) and the MFS Active International Value ETF (MIVL). With an expense ratio of 38 basis points, BRSM broadens MFS’s actively managed offerings into the small-mid cap market. MIVL primarily invests in value companies across foreign markets and carries an expense ratio of 57 basis points.
Capitalizing on Market Momentum Outside Large Caps
After years of large-cap dominance, small-mid cap equities have regained momentum in 2026. With interest rates returning towards lower levels, the introduction of BRSM coincides with a period of improved performance for small-mid cap companies. Year to date, the Russell 2500 index has delivered returns of approximately 13%, exceeding the roughly 9% return of large-cap indexes like the VettaFi US Equity Large-Cap 500 Index.
The fund targets companies and REITs within the market capitalization range of the Russell 2500 Index. BRSM combines active security selection with a portfolio construction process designed to keep overall portfolio characteristics relatively close to the benchmark.
BRSM evaluates securities using both fundamental and quantitative research inputs through the firm’s blended research methodology. On the fundamental side, companies are evaluated based on factors such as financial condition and the broader industry environment. Quantitative models simultaneously evaluate characteristics including price momentum and earnings trends. These inputs are combined into a single blended rating that serves as the primary basis for portfolio construction.
See more: MFS Launches Active Blended Research Emerging Markets ETF
A Global Approach to Value Investing
For a better part of the last decade, U.S. equities have substantially outperformed most international markets. This has largely been driven by the growth of a relatively small group of mega-cap technology firms. While that performance has rewarded investors who remained concentrated in U.S. equities, it also widened valuation gaps between U.S. and international markets. However, with international equities showing signs of prolonged outperformance, the disparity is beginning to narrow.
MIVL provides exposure to international equities through a value-oriented investment framework. The strategy focuses primarily on non-U.S. equities and may allocate a portion of assets to emerging markets. The fund is not constrained by company size and can invest across the market-capitalization spectrum when attractive opportunities are identified. Rather than tracking a value benchmark, the fund identifies companies believed to be trading below their estimated intrinsic value while maintaining investment across countries, sectors, and regions.
Expanding on its actively managed international ETF lineup, MIVL serves as the firm’s third venture into the space. Both MIVL and BRSM build upon previous launches such as the MFS Blended Research International Equity ETF (BRIE), which debuted in October last year.
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