MGWIX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MGWIX (MFS Growth Allocation Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - MGWIX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by MFS, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MGWIX returned 10.03%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MGWIX charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Growth Allocation Fund (MGWIX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGWIX achieves a 6.84% return, which is significantly lower than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, MGWIX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 10.03%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

MGWIX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 6M: 6.14%
• 1Y: 14.45%
• 3Y*: 13.23%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 10.03%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGWIX MFS Growth Allocation Fund	6.84%	13.63%	10.71%	14.86%	-15.92%	16.01%	14.75%	26.55%	-5.59%	19.22%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between MGWIX and VFIAX is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2002	0.94

The correlation between MGWIX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MGWIX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGWIX

MGWIX Risk / Return Rank: 37
MGWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MGWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MGWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
MGWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MGWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Growth Allocation Fund (MGWIX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	MGWIX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	2.15	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.91	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.39	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	3.01	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	13.60	-4.94

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGWIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGWIX and VFIAX, 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

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGWIX drawdown since its inception was -47.83%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGWIX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGWIX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.83%	-55.20%	+7.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.33%	-8.90%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.30%	-18.75%	+6.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.39%	-24.53%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.09%	-33.83%	+4.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-1.72%	+1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.35%	-9.38%	+4.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.75%	1.97%	-0.22%

Volatility

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Growth Allocation Fund (MGWIX) is 3.34%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 4.67%. This indicates that MGWIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGWIX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	4.67%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.54%	9.84%	-2.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.40%	12.50%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.19%	16.99%	-4.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.87%	18.11%	-5.24%

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGWIX has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGWIX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

MGWIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.72%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGWIX MFS Growth Allocation Fund	7.72%	8.24%	6.24%	3.84%	4.83%	7.28%	3.79%	5.00%	6.89%	5.04%	3.11%	5.08%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGWIX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

MGWIX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGWIX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to MGWIX (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGWIX dropped -47.83% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.61), 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.