MACIX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MACIX (MFS Conservative Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, MACIX returned 5.88%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MACIX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Conservative Allocation Fund (MACIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MACIX achieves a 3.46% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 7.19% return. Over the past 10 years, MACIX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 5.88%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.88% annualized return.

MACIX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.50%
• 6M: 2.20%
• YTD: 3.46%
• 1Y: 7.66%
• 3Y*: 8.37%
• 5Y*: 3.54%
• 10Y*: 5.88%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 5.62%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

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

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MACIX MFS Conservative Allocation Fund	3.46%	9.32%	6.88%	10.74%	-13.30%	8.15%	11.88%	17.36%	-2.82%	11.04%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.19%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MACIX and VBAIX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2002	0.94

The correlation between MACIX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MACIX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MACIX

MACIX Risk / Return Rank: 34
MACIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MACIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MACIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
MACIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
MACIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Conservative Allocation Fund (MACIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	MACIX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.77	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	2.51	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.32	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	2.53	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.37	11.09	-4.72

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MACIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MACIX and VBAIX, 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

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MACIX drawdown since its inception was -25.35%, smaller than the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MACIX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MACIX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.35%	-35.82%	+10.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.04%	-5.84%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.42%	-11.57%	+5.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.41%	-21.52%	+3.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.41%	-22.77%	+4.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-0.19%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.59%	-4.41%	+1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	1.33%	-0.18%

Volatility

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Conservative Allocation Fund (MACIX) is 1.78%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that MACIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MACIX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.78%	2.83%	-1.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.56%	6.74%	-2.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.48%	8.36%	-2.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.21%	11.18%	-3.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.12%	11.24%	-4.12%

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MACIX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MACIX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

MACIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.87%, more than VBAIX's 5.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MACIX MFS Conservative Allocation Fund	5.87%	6.07%	7.08%	3.47%	3.61%	3.89%	3.01%	3.65%	5.14%	4.60%	2.76%	1.95%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.32%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MACIX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MACIX and VBAIX 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, MACIX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to MACIX (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MACIX dropped -25.35% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.34), 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.