MGRAX vs. MGRVX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MGRAX (MFS International Growth Fund) and MGRVX (MFS International Growth Fund Class R4) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from MFS. Over the past 10 years, MGRAX returned 9.62%/yr vs 9.90%/yr for MGRVX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MGRAX charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for MGRVX.

Performance

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS International Growth Fund (MGRAX) and MFS International Growth Fund Class R4 (MGRVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MGRAX having a 3.56% return and MGRVX slightly higher at 3.66%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MGRAX having a 9.62% annualized return and MGRVX not far ahead at 9.90%.

MGRAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 3.56%
• 6M: 4.74%
• 1Y: 10.25%
• 3Y*: 12.04%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 9.62%

MGRVX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 3.66%
• 6M: 4.86%
• 1Y: 10.55%
• 3Y*: 12.31%
• 5Y*: 6.17%
• 10Y*: 9.90%

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

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGRAX MFS International Growth Fund	3.56%	20.73%	8.82%	14.54%	-15.31%	9.20%	15.45%	26.83%	-9.09%	32.15%
MGRVX MFS International Growth Fund Class R4	3.66%	21.04%	9.10%	14.82%	-15.10%	9.50%	15.70%	27.19%	-8.87%	32.47%

Correlation

The correlation between MGRAX and MGRVX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2008	1.00

The correlation between MGRAX and MGRVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MGRAX vs. MGRVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGRAX

MGRAX Risk / Return Rank: 10
MGRAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
MGRAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
MGRAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
MGRAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
MGRAX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

MGRVX

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

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.

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS International Growth Fund (MGRAX) and MFS International Growth Fund Class R4 (MGRVX). 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.

	MGRAX	MGRVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	0.88	-0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.28	1.31	-0.03
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.16	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.92	0.94	-0.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.10	3.19	-0.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGRAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is comparable to the MGRVX Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGRAX and MGRVX, 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

	MGRAX	MGRVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85	0.88	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38	0.40	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.63	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.44	-0.05

Drawdowns

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGRAX drawdown since its inception was -55.29%, which is greater than MGRVX's maximum drawdown of -36.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGRAX and MGRVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGRAX	MGRVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.29%	-36.30%	-18.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.42%	-12.40%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.66%	-13.61%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.58%	-30.56%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.58%	-30.56%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-3.16%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.86%	-6.65%	-4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.68%	3.66%	+0.02%

Volatility

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Volatility Comparison

MFS International Growth Fund (MGRAX) and MFS International Growth Fund Class R4 (MGRVX) have volatilities of 3.96% and 3.96%, 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

	MGRAX	MGRVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	3.96%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.71%	10.69%	+0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.29%	13.28%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.56%	15.59%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.73%	15.75%	-0.02%

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGRAX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than MGRVX's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGRAX vs. MGRVX - Dividend Comparison

MGRAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, less than MGRVX's 5.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGRAX MFS International Growth Fund	5.17%	5.35%	5.99%	2.56%	2.69%	6.62%	0.56%	1.42%	3.82%	2.26%	1.01%	1.06%
MGRVX MFS International Growth Fund Class R4	5.30%	5.50%	6.21%	2.73%	2.94%	6.84%	0.72%	1.48%	4.10%	2.53%	1.22%	1.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGRAX and MGRVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, MGRAX and MGRVX 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, MGRAX or MGRVX?

MGRVX has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to MGRAX (3.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGRAX dropped -55.29% vs MGRVX's -36.30%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGRVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.85), 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.