MCVIX vs. ARFFX

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

MCVIX (MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I) and ARFFX (Ariel Focus Fund) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MCVIX returned 10.49%/yr vs 10.50%/yr for ARFFX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MCVIX charges 0.72%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for ARFFX.

Performance

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I (MCVIX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCVIX achieves a 12.76% return, which is significantly higher than ARFFX's 9.77% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MCVIX having a 10.49% annualized return and ARFFX not far ahead at 10.50%.

MCVIX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 3.47%
• 6M: 12.76%
• YTD: 12.76%
• 1Y: 16.80%
• 3Y*: 13.23%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: 10.49%

ARFFX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.26%
• 6M: 9.77%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 1Y: 26.88%
• 3Y*: 16.34%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCVIX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I	12.76%	6.33%	13.88%	12.80%	-8.74%	30.79%	4.27%	30.87%	-11.48%	13.67%
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	9.77%	21.00%	13.39%	6.98%	-9.12%	21.14%	6.90%	25.62%	-13.23%	15.01%

Correlation

The correlation between MCVIX and ARFFX 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	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 5, 2005	0.91

The correlation between MCVIX and ARFFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (1 year) to 0.92 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MCVIX vs. ARFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCVIX

MCVIX Risk / Return Rank: 35
MCVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
MCVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
MCVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
MCVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
MCVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

ARFFX

ARFFX Risk / Return Rank: 75
ARFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
ARFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
ARFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
ARFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
ARFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I (MCVIX) and Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX). 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.

	MCVIX	ARFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	2.15	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	3.08	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.37	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	3.63	-1.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.45	8.95	-2.50

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCVIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is lower than the ARFFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCVIX and ARFFX, 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

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCVIX drawdown since its inception was -59.64%, roughly equal to the maximum ARFFX drawdown of -57.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCVIX and ARFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCVIX	ARFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.64%	-57.66%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.38%	-8.02%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.01%	-23.39%	+2.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.01%	-24.50%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.79%	-43.22%	+0.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-3.09%	+2.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-9.42%	+1.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	3.24%	-0.51%

Volatility

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I (MCVIX) is 3.86%, while Ariel Focus Fund (ARFFX) has a volatility of 4.10%. This indicates that MCVIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MCVIX	ARFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.86%	4.10%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.95%	9.58%	+0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.53%	13.73%	-0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.23%	18.49%	-1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.18%	19.79%	-0.61%

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCVIX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is lower than ARFFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCVIX vs. ARFFX - Dividend Comparison

MCVIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.24%, less than ARFFX's 11.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARFFX Ariel Focus Fund	11.55%	12.68%	2.27%	3.33%	8.30%	3.30%	2.41%	1.03%	7.61%	5.76%	1.04%	13.91%
MCVIX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund Class I	7.24%	8.16%	10.88%	2.88%	5.32%	5.78%	0.99%	2.20%	6.49%	3.53%	0.06%	4.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCVIX and ARFFX in my portfolio?

MCVIX and ARFFX 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, MCVIX or ARFFX?

ARFFX has higher volatility (4.10%) compared to MCVIX (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCVIX dropped -59.64% vs ARFFX's -57.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.31), 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.