MFEIX vs. IWF
MFEIX (MFS Growth I) and IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MFEIX returned 17.72%/yr vs 18.46%/yr for IWF. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MFEIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for IWF.
Performance
MFEIX vs. IWF - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MFEIX achieves a 5.25% return, which is significantly higher than IWF's 3.08% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFEIX having a 17.72% annualized return and IWF not far ahead at 18.46%.
MFEIX
- 1D
- 1.66%
- 1M
- 1.35%
- YTD
- 5.25%
- 6M
- 5.05%
- 1Y
- 16.22%
- 3Y*
- 25.27%
- 5Y*
- 13.33%
- 10Y*
- 17.72%
IWF
- 1D
- -1.16%
- 1M
- -2.51%
- YTD
- 3.08%
- 6M
- 2.43%
- 1Y
- 21.25%
- 3Y*
- 22.44%
- 5Y*
- 13.42%
- 10Y*
- 18.46%
MFEIX vs. IWF - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MFEIX MFS Growth I | 5.25% | 12.34% | 49.67% | 36.15% | -31.14% | 23.59% | 31.65% | 37.69% | 2.30% | 30.86% |
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF | 3.08% | 18.33% | 33.12% | 42.59% | -29.31% | 27.43% | 38.25% | 35.86% | -1.67% | 29.95% |
Correlation
The correlation between MFEIX and IWF 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 May 26, 2000 | 0.95 |
The correlation between MFEIX and IWF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
MFEIX vs. IWF — Risk / Return Rank
MFEIX
IWF
MFEIX vs. IWF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth I (MFEIX) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF). 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.
| MFEIX | IWF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.39 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.49 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | 1.23 | -0.06 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.90 | 1.31 | -0.41 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.90 | 4.28 | -1.38 |
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Drawdowns
MFEIX vs. IWF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MFEIX drawdown since its inception was -72.24%, which is greater than IWF's maximum drawdown of -64.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEIX and IWF.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MFEIX | IWF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -72.24% | -64.25% | -7.99% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -17.30% | -16.27% | -1.03% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -23.24% | -23.36% | +0.12% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -36.11% | -32.72% | -3.39% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.11% | -32.72% | -3.39% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.32% | -5.36% | +4.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -23.69% | -22.05% | -1.64% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.37% | 4.97% | +0.40% |
Volatility
MFEIX vs. IWF - Volatility Comparison
MFS Growth I (MFEIX) has a higher volatility of 6.45% compared to iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) at 5.89%. This indicates that MFEIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MFEIX | IWF | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.45% | 5.89% | +0.56% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.44% | 12.60% | +0.84% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.74% | 16.19% | +0.55% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.03% | 21.51% | +0.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.31% | 21.04% | +0.27% |
MFEIX vs. IWF - Expense Ratio Comparison
MFEIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than IWF's 0.18% expense ratio.
Dividends
MFEIX vs. IWF - Dividend Comparison
MFEIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.25%, more than IWF's 0.35% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF | 0.35% | 0.36% | 0.46% | 0.67% | 0.91% | 0.49% | 0.66% | 0.99% | 1.27% | 1.10% | 1.43% | 1.37% |
MFEIX MFS Growth I | 14.25% | 14.99% | 25.47% | 4.86% | 1.05% | 2.76% | 3.57% | 1.57% | 3.78% | 2.50% | 1.61% | 3.65% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.96, MFEIX and IWF 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.
MFEIX has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to IWF (5.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEIX dropped -72.24% vs IWF's -64.25%.
IWF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 0.93), 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.
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