MFEKX vs. MFARX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MFEKX (MFS Growth R6) and MFARX (MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund) are both mutual funds - MFEKX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while MFARX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX returned 17.81%/yr vs 1.82%/yr for MFARX. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. MFEKX charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for MFARX.

Performance

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) and MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund (MFARX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEKX achieves a 5.30% return, which is significantly higher than MFARX's 1.78% return. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX has outperformed MFARX with an annualized return of 17.81%, while MFARX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.82% annualized return.

MFEKX

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 5.30%
• 6M: 5.10%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 25.33%
• 5Y*: 13.41%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

MFARX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 1.78%
• 6M: 2.19%
• 1Y: 8.06%
• 3Y*: 3.66%
• 5Y*: 0.70%
• 10Y*: 1.82%

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

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	5.30%	12.44%	49.62%	36.27%	-31.07%	23.71%	31.77%	37.82%	2.40%	30.97%
MFARX MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund	1.78%	5.02%	1.53%	5.31%	-9.87%	2.38%	4.24%	6.44%	1.24%	4.10%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEKX and MFARX is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2011	-0.04

The correlation between MFEKX and MFARX shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (all time) to 0.09 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MFEKX vs. MFARX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEKX

MFEKX Risk / Return Rank: 12
MFEKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
MFEKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
MFEKX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
MFEKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
MFEKX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

MFARX

MFARX Risk / Return Rank: 70
MFARX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
MFARX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
MFARX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
MFARX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MFARX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) and MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund (MFARX). 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.

	MFEKX	MFARX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	2.40	-1.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	3.84	-2.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.57	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.91	2.66	-1.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.93	8.96	-6.03

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEKX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the MFARX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEKX and MFARX, 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

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEKX drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, which is greater than MFARX's maximum drawdown of -15.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEKX and MFARX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEKX	MFARX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-15.10%	-20.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.27%	-3.05%	-14.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.22%	-7.78%	-15.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.06%	-15.10%	-20.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	-15.10%	-20.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	0.00%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.63%	-1.88%	-3.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.35%	0.90%	+4.45%

Volatility

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) has a higher volatility of 6.45% compared to MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund (MFARX) at 0.84%. This indicates that MFEKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MFARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEKX	MFARX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	0.84%	+5.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.44%	2.37%	+11.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	3.38%	+13.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	4.72%	+17.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.27%	4.13%	+17.14%

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEKX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is lower than MFARX's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEKX vs. MFARX - Dividend Comparison

MFEKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.07%, more than MFARX's 3.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFARX MFS Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund	3.43%	4.47%	2.96%	2.47%	1.96%	2.16%	2.52%	3.04%	3.08%	2.98%	3.26%	3.26%
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	14.07%	14.82%	25.31%	4.82%	1.04%	2.74%	3.55%	1.57%	3.88%	2.49%	1.70%	3.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEKX and MFARX in my portfolio?

MFEKX and MFARX have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFEKX or MFARX?

MFEKX has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to MFARX (0.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEKX dropped -36.06% vs MFARX's -15.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFARX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 0.94), 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.