MFEGX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MFEGX (MFS Growth Fund Class A) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - MFEGX tracks the Russell 1000® Growth Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MFEGX returned 17.98%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFEGX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

MFEGX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEGX achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 9.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFEGX having a 17.98% annualized return and VUG not far ahead at 18.26%.

MFEGX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 5.82%
• 1Y: 17.35%
• 3Y*: 26.91%
• 5Y*: 14.42%
• 10Y*: 17.98%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

MFEGX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEGX MFS Growth Fund Class A	6.18%	12.06%	51.46%	35.81%	-31.31%	23.28%	36.29%	37.35%	2.04%	30.52%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEGX and VUG is 0.96 - 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	0.96
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 Feb 2, 2004	0.96

The correlation between MFEGX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFEGX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEGX

MFEGX Risk / Return Rank: 14
MFEGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
MFEGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
MFEGX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
MFEGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
MFEGX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	MFEGX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.77	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.40	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.31	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	1.69	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.34	5.92	-2.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFEGX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEGX and VUG, 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

	MFEGX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	1.77	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.68	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.85	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.62	-0.12

Drawdowns

MFEGX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEGX drawdown since its inception was -72.42%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEGX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEGX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.42%	-50.68%	-21.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.39%	-16.53%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.28%	-22.85%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.27%	-35.61%	-0.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.27%	-35.61%	-0.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-1.51%	+1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.23%	-7.09%	-15.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.36%	4.71%	+0.65%

Volatility

MFEGX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Growth Fund Class A (MFEGX) is 3.60%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that MFEGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEGX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	3.83%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.24%	12.11%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.83%	15.84%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.11%	22.22%	-0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.35%	21.44%	-0.09%

MFEGX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEGX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEGX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

MFEGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.90%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFEGX MFS Growth Fund Class A	15.90%	16.88%	28.04%	5.30%	1.14%	2.98%	7.45%	1.68%	3.96%	2.65%	1.68%	3.84%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEGX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MFEGX and VUG 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to MFEGX (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEGX dropped -72.42% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.13), 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.