FASEX vs. MVCAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FASEX (Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund) and MVCAX (MFS Mid Cap Value Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FASEX returned 11.30%/yr vs 10.01%/yr for MVCAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FASEX charges 1.16%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for MVCAX.

Performance

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund (FASEX) and MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FASEX achieves a 19.73% return, which is significantly higher than MVCAX's 10.21% return. Over the past 10 years, FASEX has outperformed MVCAX with an annualized return of 11.30%, while MVCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.01% annualized return.

FASEX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 3.49%
• YTD: 19.73%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 32.90%
• 3Y*: 16.10%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

MVCAX

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: 10.21%
• 6M: 8.69%
• 1Y: 18.98%
• 3Y*: 12.70%
• 5Y*: 8.94%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

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

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FASEX Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund	19.73%	9.68%	10.40%	14.20%	-10.63%	34.84%	1.19%	26.68%	-13.00%	19.23%
MVCAX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund	10.21%	6.09%	13.57%	12.51%	-8.96%	30.43%	4.03%	30.57%	-11.69%	13.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FASEX and MVCAX is 0.94, 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	0.94
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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 2001	0.97

The correlation between FASEX and MVCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FASEX vs. MVCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FASEX

FASEX Risk / Return Rank: 81
FASEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FASEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FASEX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FASEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FASEX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

MVCAX

MVCAX Risk / Return Rank: 30
MVCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MVCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MVCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
MVCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
MVCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund (FASEX) and MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX). 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.

	FASEX	MVCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	1.42	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.39	2.12	+1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.25	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.55	2.05	+2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.56	6.99	+9.57

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FASEX Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is higher than the MVCAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FASEX and MVCAX, 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

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FASEX drawdown since its inception was -55.57%, smaller than the maximum MVCAX drawdown of -60.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FASEX and MVCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FASEX	MVCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.57%	-60.41%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.37%	-9.39%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.26%	-21.05%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.26%	-21.05%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.56%	-42.79%	-1.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-1.07%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.92%	-8.12%	-0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	2.75%	-0.74%

Volatility

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund (FASEX) has a higher volatility of 4.30% compared to MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX) at 3.89%. This indicates that FASEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MVCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FASEX	MVCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.30%	3.89%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.44%	9.88%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.95%	13.56%	+0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.08%	17.24%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.22%	19.27%	+0.95%

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FASEX has a 1.16% expense ratio, which is higher than MVCAX's 1.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

FASEX vs. MVCAX - Dividend Comparison

FASEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.25%, more than MVCAX's 7.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FASEX Nuveen Mid Cap Value Fund	12.25%	14.67%	5.29%	3.12%	6.32%	4.02%	1.06%	0.89%	4.48%	7.93%	3.67%	3.49%
MVCAX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund	7.45%	8.21%	10.99%	2.73%	5.22%	5.70%	0.80%	2.03%	6.36%	3.36%	0.07%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FASEX and MVCAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FASEX and MVCAX 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, FASEX or MVCAX?

FASEX has higher volatility (4.30%) compared to MVCAX (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FASEX dropped -55.57% vs MVCAX's -60.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FASEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.42), 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.