MGRVX vs. MGRAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MGRVX (MFS International Growth Fund Class R4) and MGRAX (MFS International Growth Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds from MFS. Over the past 10 years, MGRVX returned 9.82%/yr vs 9.54%/yr for MGRAX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MGRVX charges 0.83%/yr vs 1.06%/yr for MGRAX.

Performance

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MGRVX having a 2.95% return and MGRAX slightly lower at 2.84%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MGRVX having a 9.82% annualized return and MGRAX not far behind at 9.54%.

MGRVX

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 2.95%
• 6M: 3.58%
• 1Y: 9.39%
• 3Y*: 12.06%
• 5Y*: 5.99%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

MGRAX

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.44%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 11.78%
• 5Y*: 5.73%
• 10Y*: 9.54%

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

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGRVX MFS International Growth Fund Class R4	2.95%	21.04%	9.10%	14.82%	-15.10%	9.50%	15.70%	27.19%	-8.87%	32.47%
MGRAX MFS International Growth Fund	2.84%	20.73%	8.82%	14.54%	-15.31%	9.20%	15.45%	26.83%	-9.09%	32.15%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

MGRVX vs. MGRAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGRVX

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

MGRAX

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

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MGRVX	MGRAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	0.77	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	1.16	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.14	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	0.82	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.85	2.76	+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.

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGRVX Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is comparable to the MGRAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGRVX and MGRAX, 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

	MGRVX	MGRAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79	0.77	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.37	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	0.61	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.38	+0.05

Drawdowns

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	MGRVX	MGRAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.30%	-55.29%	+18.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.40%	-12.42%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.61%	-13.66%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.56%	-30.58%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.56%	-30.58%	+0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.83%	-3.90%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-10.85%	+4.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.68%	3.69%	-0.01%

Volatility

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Volatility Comparison

MFS International Growth Fund Class R4 (MGRVX) and MFS International Growth Fund (MGRAX) have volatilities of 4.08% and 4.08%, 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

	MGRVX	MGRAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	4.08%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.75%	10.77%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.29%	13.30%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.60%	15.57%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.75%	15.73%	+0.02%

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MGRVX vs. MGRAX - Dividend Comparison

MGRVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.34%, more than MGRAX's 5.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGRAX MFS International Growth Fund	5.20%	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	5.34%	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 MGRVX and MGRAX in my portfolio?

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

MGRAX has higher volatility (4.08%) compared to MGRVX (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGRVX dropped -36.30% vs MGRAX's -55.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGRVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.79 vs 0.77), 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.