MFEKX vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MFEKX (MFS Growth R6) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. MFEKX is actively managed, while VONG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX returned 17.81%/yr vs 18.77%/yr for VONG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFEKX charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.

Performance

MFEKX vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEKX achieves a 6.70% return, which is significantly lower than VONG's 8.61% return. Over the past 10 years, MFEKX has underperformed VONG with an annualized return of 17.81%, while VONG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.77% annualized return.

MFEKX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 6.70%
• 6M: 5.85%
• 1Y: 18.67%
• 3Y*: 26.82%
• 5Y*: 14.37%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

VONG

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 6.89%
• YTD: 8.61%
• 6M: 7.89%
• 1Y: 28.25%
• 3Y*: 25.48%
• 5Y*: 15.98%
• 10Y*: 18.77%

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

MFEKX vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	6.70%	12.44%	49.62%	36.27%	-31.07%	23.71%	31.77%	37.82%	2.40%	30.97%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	8.61%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEKX and VONG 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 Aug 29, 2011	0.96

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

Return for Risk

MFEKX vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEKX

MFEKX Risk / Return Rank: 15
MFEKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
MFEKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
MFEKX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
MFEKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
MFEKX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 46
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	MFEKX	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.85	-0.62
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.50	-0.77
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	1.79	-0.66
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.70	6.02	-2.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFEKX vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEKX and VONG, 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

	MFEKX	VONG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	1.85	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.75	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84	0.90	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.90	-0.03

Drawdowns

MFEKX vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEKX drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, which is greater than VONG's maximum drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEKX and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEKX	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-32.72%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.27%	-16.23%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.22%	-23.27%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.06%	-32.72%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.06%	-32.72%	-3.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.35%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.64%	-4.88%	-0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.30%	4.83%	+0.47%

Volatility

MFEKX vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

MFS Growth R6 (MFEKX) has a higher volatility of 3.54% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) at 3.23%. This indicates that MFEKX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEKX	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	3.23%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.25%	11.53%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.86%	15.32%	+0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.89%	21.33%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.20%	20.87%	+0.33%

MFEKX vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEKX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEKX vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

MFEKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.89%, more than VONG's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFEKX MFS Growth R6	13.89%	14.82%	25.31%	4.82%	1.04%	2.74%	3.55%	1.57%	3.88%	2.49%	1.70%	3.64%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.42%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEKX and VONG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MFEKX and VONG 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, MFEKX or VONG?

MFEKX has higher volatility (3.54%) compared to VONG (3.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEKX dropped -36.06% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VONG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.23), 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.