MFEGX vs. TILIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFEGX (MFS Growth Fund Class A) and TILIX (TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MFEGX returned 18.12%/yr vs 18.44%/yr for TILIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFEGX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for TILIX.

Performance

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) and TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEGX achieves a 3.58% return, which is significantly higher than TILIX's 3.15% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFEGX having a 18.12% annualized return and TILIX not far ahead at 18.44%.

MFEGX

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 3.58%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 13.06%
• 3Y*: 25.27%
• 5Y*: 12.65%
• 10Y*: 18.12%

TILIX

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -2.50%
• YTD: 3.15%
• 6M: 1.82%
• 1Y: 19.80%
• 3Y*: 22.55%
• 5Y*: 13.55%
• 10Y*: 18.44%

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

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEGX MFS Growth Fund Class A	3.58%	12.06%	51.46%	35.81%	-31.31%	23.28%	36.29%	37.35%	2.04%	30.52%
TILIX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	3.15%	18.41%	33.31%	42.64%	-29.22%	27.63%	38.43%	36.30%	-1.66%	28.49%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEGX and TILIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2002	0.97

The correlation between MFEGX and TILIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFEGX vs. TILIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEGX

MFEGX Risk / Return Rank: 10
MFEGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
MFEGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MFEGX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MFEGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MFEGX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

TILIX

TILIX Risk / Return Rank: 20
TILIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
TILIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
TILIX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
TILIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
TILIX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) and TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX). 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.

	MFEGX	TILIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	1.31	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	1.82	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.23	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.82	1.31	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.63	4.27	-1.64

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is lower than the TILIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEGX and TILIX, 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

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEGX drawdown since its inception was -72.42%, which is greater than TILIX's maximum drawdown of -50.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEGX and TILIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEGX	TILIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.42%	-50.54%	-21.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.39%	-16.24%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.28%	-23.33%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.27%	-32.68%	-3.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.27%	-32.68%	-3.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.78%	-5.36%	+2.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.19%	-7.73%	-14.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.41%	4.96%	+0.45%

Volatility

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) has a higher volatility of 6.54% compared to TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (TILIX) at 5.95%. This indicates that MFEGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TILIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEGX	TILIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.54%	5.95%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.39%	12.76%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.83%	16.25%	+0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.25%	21.59%	+0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	21.16%	+0.27%

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEGX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than TILIX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEGX vs. TILIX - Dividend Comparison

MFEGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.30%, more than TILIX's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFEGX MFS Growth Fund Class A	16.30%	16.88%	28.04%	5.30%	1.14%	2.98%	7.45%	1.68%	3.96%	2.65%	1.68%	3.84%
TILIX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	4.28%	4.41%	3.25%	1.90%	11.00%	8.76%	1.91%	2.38%	4.01%	0.68%	1.33%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEGX and TILIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MFEGX and TILIX 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, MFEGX or TILIX?

MFEGX has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to TILIX (5.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEGX dropped -72.42% vs TILIX's -50.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TILIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.85), 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.