MIAGX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MIAGX (MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, MIAGX returned 11.00%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for VBAIX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MIAGX charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MIAGX achieves a 9.12% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 7.19% return. Over the past 10 years, MIAGX has outperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 11.00%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.88% annualized return.

MIAGX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 1.26%
• 6M: 6.02%
• YTD: 9.12%
• 1Y: 14.96%
• 3Y*: 14.32%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: 11.00%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 5.62%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

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

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MIAGX MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund	9.12%	15.20%	12.11%	16.29%	-16.94%	19.16%	15.81%	29.98%	-6.72%	23.23%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.19%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MIAGX and VBAIX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
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	0.95

The correlation between MIAGX and VBAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MIAGX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MIAGX

MIAGX Risk / Return Rank: 34
MIAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
MIAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
MIAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
MIAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
MIAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX 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.

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund (MIAGX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	MIAGX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.77	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	2.51	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	2.53	-0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	11.09	-4.22

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MIAGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MIAGX and VBAIX, 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

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MIAGX drawdown since its inception was -55.00%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MIAGX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MIAGX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.00%	-35.82%	-19.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.65%	-5.84%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.88%	-11.57%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.51%	-21.52%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.78%	-22.77%	-10.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.19%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.79%	-4.41%	-2.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.08%	1.33%	+0.75%

Volatility

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund (MIAGX) has a higher volatility of 3.76% compared to Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) at 2.83%. This indicates that MIAGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MIAGX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	2.83%	+0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.06%	6.74%	+2.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.31%	8.36%	+2.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.56%	11.18%	+3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.37%	11.24%	+4.13%

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MIAGX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MIAGX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

MIAGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.17%, more than VBAIX's 5.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MIAGX MFS Aggressive Growth Allocation Fund	7.17%	7.82%	5.16%	3.41%	4.49%	6.84%	3.69%	4.80%	6.06%	4.25%	3.12%	5.45%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.32%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MIAGX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, MIAGX and VBAIX 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, MIAGX or VBAIX?

MIAGX has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to VBAIX (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MIAGX dropped -55.00% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.27), 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.