MFEIX vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MFEIX (MFS Growth I) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both funds - MFEIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by MFS, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, MFEIX returned 17.72%/yr vs 18.34%/yr for SPYG. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MFEIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPYG.

Performance

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth I (MFEIX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEIX achieves a 5.25% return, which is significantly lower than SPYG's 11.38% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MFEIX having a 17.72% annualized return and SPYG not far ahead at 18.34%.

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%

SPYG

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 11.38%
• 6M: 11.00%
• 1Y: 31.61%
• 3Y*: 26.51%
• 5Y*: 14.78%
• 10Y*: 18.34%

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

MFEIX vs. SPYG - 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%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	11.38%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-0.12%	27.24%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEIX and SPYG is 0.95 - 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	0.95
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 Oct 2, 2000	0.90

The correlation between MFEIX and SPYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFEIX vs. SPYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEIX

MFEIX Risk / Return Rank: 12
MFEIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
MFEIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
MFEIX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
MFEIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
MFEIX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 54
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
SPYG 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.

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth I (MFEIX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.86	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.35	2.53	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.33	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.90	2.31	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.90	9.21	-6.31

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEIX and SPYG, 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

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEIX drawdown since its inception was -72.24%, which is greater than SPYG's maximum drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEIX and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEIX	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.24%	-67.63%	-4.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.30%	-13.76%	-3.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.24%	-22.14%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.11%	-32.67%	-3.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.11%	-32.67%	-3.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.32%	-3.19%	+1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.69%	-24.28%	+0.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.37%	3.44%	+1.93%

Volatility

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Growth I (MFEIX) is 6.45%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) has a volatility of 6.83%. This indicates that MFEIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEIX	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	6.83%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.44%	13.72%	-0.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	17.11%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.03%	21.34%	+0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.31%	20.74%	+0.57%

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEIX vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

MFEIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.25%, more than SPYG's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.60%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEIX and SPYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, MFEIX and SPYG 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, MFEIX or SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (6.83%) compared to MFEIX (6.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEIX dropped -72.24% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 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.