MFSI vs. VEA

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MFSI (MFS Active International ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. MFSI is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past year, MFSI returned 21.34% vs 30.48% for VEA. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MFSI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

MFSI vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFSI achieves a 9.83% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.51% return.

MFSI

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.90%
• 6M: 6.44%
• YTD: 9.83%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.33%

VEA

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.32%
• 6M: 7.64%
• YTD: 14.51%
• 1Y: 30.48%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 9.69%
• 10Y*: 10.06%
• ALL TIME*: 5.16%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	$6.47M	$6.70M	$6.63M
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	$651.74M	$763.09M	$794.89M

MFSI vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	9.83%	26.43%	-3.45%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.51%	35.16%	-4.02%

Correlation

The correlation between MFSI and VEA is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2024	0.93

The correlation between MFSI and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MFSI vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MFSI

MFSI Risk / Return Rank: 52
MFSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
MFSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
MFSI Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MFSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
MFSI Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 76
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 77

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MFSI vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	MFSI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	1.78	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.45	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.32	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	2.63	-0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.26	9.84	-2.57

MFSI vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFSI and VEA, 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

MFSI vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFSI drawdown since its inception was -13.67%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFSI and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFSI	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.67%	-60.68%	+47.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-11.63%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-1.86%	+1.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.93%	-13.20%	+11.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	3.11%	-0.16%

Volatility

MFSI vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) is 4.33%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.40%. This indicates that MFSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFSI	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	5.40%	-1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.19%	15.35%	-2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	17.26%	-1.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	16.85%	-0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.31%	17.22%	-0.91%

MFSI vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFSI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFSI vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

MFSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than VEA's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFSI MFS Active International ETF	0.75%	0.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.55%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFSI and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, MFSI and VEA 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, MFSI or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.40%) compared to MFSI (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFSI dropped -13.67% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, MFSI or VEA?

On 1-year performance, VEA leads with 30.48% vs 21.34% for MFSI. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, MFSI has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFSI or VEA?

Over the 1-year period, VEA has performed better with a 30.48% return vs 21.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFSI or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for MFSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFSI or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.55%, compared with 0.75% for MFSI.

What is the main difference between MFSI and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: MFS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for MFSI and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.41), 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.