FTGS vs. MEGBX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTGS (First Trust Growth Strength ETF) and MEGBX (MFS Growth Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 3 years, FTGS returned 18.88%/yr vs 28.95%/yr for MEGBX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTGS charges 0.60%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MEGBX.

Performance

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTGS achieves a 5.22% return, which is significantly lower than MEGBX's 5.85% return.

FTGS

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 5.22%
• 6M: 5.10%
• 1Y: 12.55%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MEGBX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 4.67%
• YTD: 5.85%
• 6M: 5.45%
• 1Y: 16.50%
• 3Y*: 28.95%
• 5Y*: 15.18%
• 10Y*: 17.48%

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

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	5.22%	12.78%	15.76%	33.69%	1.09%
MEGBX MFS Growth Fund	5.85%	11.25%	61.25%	34.81%	-0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FTGS and MEGBX is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2022	0.81

The correlation between FTGS and MEGBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTGS vs. MEGBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTGS

FTGS Risk / Return Rank: 27
FTGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FTGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FTGS Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FTGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FTGS Martin Ratio Rank: 31

MEGBX

MEGBX Risk / Return Rank: 13
MEGBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
MEGBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
MEGBX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MEGBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
MEGBX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) and MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX). 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.

	FTGS	MEGBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	1.08	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	1.54	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.19	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	0.97	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.51	3.11	+1.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTGS Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is comparable to the MEGBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTGS and MEGBX, 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

	FTGS	MEGBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	1.08	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	0.51	+0.59

Drawdowns

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTGS drawdown since its inception was -19.99%, smaller than the maximum MEGBX drawdown of -72.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTGS and MEGBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTGS	MEGBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.99%	-72.95%	+52.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.47%	-17.64%	+8.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.99%	-23.39%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-36.73%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-0.34%	-1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.75%	-21.75%	+19.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	5.48%	-2.69%

Volatility

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is 3.33%, while MFS Growth Fund (MEGBX) has a volatility of 3.59%. This indicates that FTGS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEGBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTGS	MEGBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.33%	3.59%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	12.25%	-1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.45%	15.83%	-2.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.15%	23.49%	-6.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.15%	22.04%	-4.89%

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTGS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than MEGBX's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTGS vs. MEGBX - Dividend Comparison

FTGS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than MEGBX's 25.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTGS First Trust Growth Strength ETF	0.09%	0.16%	0.39%	0.62%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MEGBX MFS Growth Fund	25.13%	26.60%	40.46%	7.21%	1.51%	3.91%	4.94%	2.13%	4.95%	3.26%	2.03%	4.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTGS and MEGBX in my portfolio?

FTGS and MEGBX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTGS or MEGBX?

MEGBX has higher volatility (3.59%) compared to FTGS (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTGS dropped -19.99% vs MEGBX's -72.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEGBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 0.94), 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.