MLVHX vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLVHX (MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - MLVHX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by MFS, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MLVHX returned 10.48%/yr vs 15.66%/yr for FXAIX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MLVHX charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLVHX achieves a 1.41% return, which is significantly lower than FXAIX's 11.71% return. Over the past 10 years, MLVHX has underperformed FXAIX with an annualized return of 10.48%, while FXAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.66% annualized return.

MLVHX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.94%
• YTD: 1.41%
• 6M: 1.40%
• 1Y: 7.97%
• 3Y*: 11.23%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: 10.48%

FXAIX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 11.71%
• 6M: 11.74%
• 1Y: 28.99%
• 3Y*: 22.75%
• 5Y*: 14.28%
• 10Y*: 15.66%

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

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLVHX MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund	1.41%	9.96%	13.91%	12.40%	-10.84%	25.42%	11.63%	27.17%	-1.22%	16.17%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	11.71%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	28.71%	18.42%	31.48%	-4.43%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between MLVHX and FXAIX is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2013	0.87

Over the past year, the correlation between MLVHX and FXAIX has dropped to 0.61 - well below their long-term average of 0.87, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLVHX vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLVHX

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

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 73
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	MLVHX	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	2.52	-1.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	3.42	-2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.46	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	3.36	-2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.32	15.70	-12.38
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLVHX Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLVHX and FXAIX, 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

	MLVHX	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86	2.52	-1.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.85	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	0.87	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.82	-0.15

Drawdowns

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLVHX drawdown since its inception was -34.14%, roughly equal to the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLVHX and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLVHX	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.14%	-33.79%	-0.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-8.89%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.92%	-18.76%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	-24.50%	+3.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.14%	-33.79%	-0.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.47%	0.00%	-4.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-3.79%	-0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	1.90%	+0.57%

Volatility

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) is 2.28%, while Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that MLVHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLVHX	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	2.83%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.00%	8.97%	-1.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.52%	11.86%	-2.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.23%	16.91%	-1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.22%	18.07%	-1.85%

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLVHX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLVHX vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

MLVHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.19%, more than FXAIX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.03%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%
MLVHX MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund	15.19%	15.40%	13.51%	6.47%	13.00%	5.33%	1.25%	1.17%	4.99%	2.23%	1.19%	1.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLVHX and FXAIX in my portfolio?

MLVHX and FXAIX have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLVHX or FXAIX?

FXAIX has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to MLVHX (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLVHX dropped -34.14% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 0.86), 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.