MFSG vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MFSG (MFS Active Growth ETF) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by MFS, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. MFSG is actively managed, while SPYG is passively managed. Over the past year, MFSG returned 20.82% vs 31.61% for SPYG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFSG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPYG.

Performance

MFSG vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) 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, MFSG achieves a 6.80% return, which is significantly lower than SPYG's 11.38% return.

MFSG

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 6.80%
• 6M: 6.76%
• 1Y: 20.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

MFSG vs. SPYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MFSG MFS Active Growth ETF	6.80%	14.51%	-2.99%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	11.38%	22.09%	-1.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MFSG and SPYG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2024	0.96

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

Return for Risk

MFSG vs. SPYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFSG

MFSG Risk / Return Rank: 32
MFSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MFSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
MFSG Omega Ratio Rank: 34
MFSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
MFSG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

MFSG vs. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) 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.

	MFSG	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.86	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	2.53	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.33	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	2.31	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.46	9.21	-4.75

MFSG vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFSG Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFSG 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

MFSG vs. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFSG drawdown since its inception was -23.24%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFSG and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFSG	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.24%	-67.63%	+44.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.15%	-13.76%	-2.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.14%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.67%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	-3.19%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.60%	-24.28%	+19.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.68%	3.44%	+1.24%

Volatility

MFSG vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) have volatilities of 6.70% and 6.83%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFSG	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.70%	6.83%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.64%	13.72%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.05%	17.11%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.93%	21.34%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	20.74%	+1.19%

MFSG vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFSG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFSG vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

MFSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than SPYG's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFSG MFS Active Growth ETF	0.07%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 MFSG and SPYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MFSG 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, MFSG or SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (6.83%) compared to MFSG (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFSG dropped -23.24% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which ETF is better, MFSG or SPYG?

On 1-year performance, SPYG leads with 31.61% vs 20.82% for MFSG. On fees, SPYG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, MFSG has been the lower-risk option at 6.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFSG or SPYG?

Over the 1-year period, SPYG has performed better with a 31.61% return vs 20.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFSG or SPYG?

SPYG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MFSG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFSG or SPYG?

SPYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.07% for MFSG.

What is the main difference between MFSG and SPYG?

MFSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SPYG is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: MFS and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MFSG and 0.04% for SPYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 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.