MLVHX vs. PAGRX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLVHX (MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund) and PAGRX (Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MLVHX returned 10.48%/yr vs 20.75%/yr for PAGRX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLVHX charges 0.67%/yr vs 1.21%/yr for PAGRX.

Performance

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) and Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX). 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 PAGRX's 16.20% return. Over the past 10 years, MLVHX has underperformed PAGRX with an annualized return of 10.48%, while PAGRX has yielded a comparatively higher 20.75% 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%

PAGRX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 8.87%
• YTD: 16.20%
• 6M: 19.31%
• 1Y: 43.21%
• 3Y*: 40.90%
• 5Y*: 19.92%
• 10Y*: 20.75%

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

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - 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%
PAGRX Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio	16.20%	36.92%	44.52%	38.73%	-26.06%	24.84%	37.65%	40.34%	-12.41%	21.19%

Correlation

The correlation between MLVHX and PAGRX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2013	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between MLVHX and PAGRX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLVHX vs. PAGRX — 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

PAGRX

PAGRX Risk / Return Rank: 81
PAGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PAGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
PAGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
PAGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
PAGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. PAGRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) and Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX). 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	PAGRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	2.64	-1.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	3.49	-2.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.45	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	4.96	-3.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.32	21.16	-17.84
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. PAGRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLVHX Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is lower than the PAGRX Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLVHX and PAGRX, 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	PAGRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86	2.64	-1.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.82	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	0.85	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.55	+0.13

Drawdowns

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLVHX drawdown since its inception was -34.14%, smaller than the maximum PAGRX drawdown of -55.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLVHX and PAGRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLVHX	PAGRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.14%	-55.87%	+21.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-9.14%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.92%	-26.34%	+5.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	-36.52%	+15.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.14%	-38.01%	+3.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.47%	-0.10%	-4.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-10.05%	+6.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	2.14%	+0.33%

Volatility

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Low Volatility Equity Fund (MLVHX) is 2.28%, while Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio (PAGRX) has a volatility of 4.70%. This indicates that MLVHX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PAGRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLVHX	PAGRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	4.70%	-2.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.00%	12.94%	-5.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.52%	17.17%	-7.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.23%	24.45%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.22%	24.52%	-8.30%

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLVHX has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is lower than PAGRX's 1.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLVHX vs. PAGRX - Dividend Comparison

MLVHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.19%, more than PAGRX's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
PAGRX Permanent Portfolio Aggressive Growth Portfolio	0.03%	0.03%	5.62%	2.72%	7.79%	6.82%	15.08%	17.51%	12.33%	8.70%	16.94%	6.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLVHX and PAGRX in my portfolio?

MLVHX and PAGRX have a correlation of 0.49, 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 PAGRX?

PAGRX has higher volatility (4.70%) compared to MLVHX (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLVHX dropped -34.14% vs PAGRX's -55.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 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.