MFEKX vs. MSFRX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFEKX (MFS Growth R6) and MSFRX (MFS Total Return Fund) are both mutual funds - MFEKX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while MSFRX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX returned 17.90%/yr vs 8.08%/yr for MSFRX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MFEKX charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for MSFRX.

Performance

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEKX achieves a 3.75% return, which is significantly higher than MSFRX's 2.35% return. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX has outperformed MSFRX with an annualized return of 17.90%, while MSFRX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.08% annualized return.

MFEKX

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: 13.43%
• 3Y*: 25.04%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

MSFRX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: 2.35%
• 6M: 2.16%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: 11.90%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: 8.08%

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

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	3.75%	12.44%	49.62%	36.27%	-31.07%	23.71%	31.77%	37.82%	2.40%	30.97%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	2.35%	10.98%	14.73%	10.34%	-9.70%	14.00%	9.72%	20.20%	-5.80%	12.18%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEKX and MSFRX is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2011	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between MFEKX and MSFRX has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MFEKX vs. MSFRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEKX

MFEKX Risk / Return Rank: 11
MFEKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
MFEKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MFEKX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MFEKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MFEKX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

MSFRX

MSFRX Risk / Return Rank: 32
MSFRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MSFRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MSFRX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MSFRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MSFRX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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. MSFRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) and MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX). 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	MSFRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	1.52	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	2.30	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.27	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	2.11	-1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.73	6.09	-3.36

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEKX Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is lower than the MSFRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEKX and MSFRX, 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. MSFRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEKX drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, roughly equal to the maximum MSFRX drawdown of -37.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEKX and MSFRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEKX	MSFRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-37.28%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.27%	-4.96%	-12.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.22%	-8.56%	-14.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.06%	-17.02%	-19.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	-24.70%	-11.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-2.76%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.63%	-5.00%	-0.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.36%	1.71%	+3.65%

Volatility

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) has a higher volatility of 6.54% compared to MFS Total Return Fund (MSFRX) at 2.04%. This indicates that MFEKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSFRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEKX	MSFRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.54%	2.04%	+4.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.39%	5.04%	+8.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.83%	6.89%	+9.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.03%	9.75%	+12.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.28%	10.47%	+10.81%

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEKX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is lower than MSFRX's 0.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEKX vs. MSFRX - Dividend Comparison

MFEKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.28%, more than MSFRX's 8.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	14.28%	14.82%	25.31%	4.82%	1.04%	2.74%	3.55%	1.57%	3.88%	2.49%	1.70%	3.64%
MSFRX MFS Total Return Fund	8.85%	8.93%	14.87%	6.19%	5.38%	8.33%	6.93%	3.22%	4.99%	5.67%	3.54%	5.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEKX and MSFRX in my portfolio?

MFEKX and MSFRX have a correlation of 0.37, 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 MSFRX?

MFEKX has higher volatility (6.54%) compared to MSFRX (2.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEKX dropped -36.06% vs MSFRX's -37.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSFRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 0.87), 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.