MMUFX vs. VGLT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MMUFX (MFS Utilities Fund) and VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) are both funds - MMUFX is a Utilities Equities fund managed by MFS, while VGLT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index. Over the past 10 years, MMUFX returned 8.39%/yr vs -1.10%/yr for VGLT. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. MMUFX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGLT.

Performance

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Utilities Fund (MMUFX) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMUFX achieves a 4.90% return, which is significantly higher than VGLT's -0.41% return. Over the past 10 years, MMUFX has outperformed VGLT with an annualized return of 8.39%, while VGLT has yielded a comparatively lower -1.10% annualized return.

MMUFX

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: -5.09%
• YTD: 4.90%
• 6M: 3.38%
• 1Y: 12.60%
• 3Y*: 10.28%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 8.39%

VGLT

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: -0.41%
• 6M: -1.68%
• 1Y: 5.25%
• 3Y*: -0.72%
• 5Y*: -5.30%
• 10Y*: -1.10%

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

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MMUFX MFS Utilities Fund	4.90%	14.32%	11.38%	-2.28%	0.35%	13.86%	6.04%	24.91%	0.85%	14.69%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	-0.41%	5.35%	-6.28%	3.27%	-29.34%	-4.98%	17.57%	14.30%	-1.54%	8.64%

Correlation

The correlation between MMUFX and VGLT is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2009	-0.07

The correlation between MMUFX and VGLT shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.33 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMUFX vs. VGLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMUFX

MMUFX Risk / Return Rank: 13
MMUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
MMUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MMUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MMUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
MMUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 18
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Utilities Fund (MMUFX) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). 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.

	MMUFX	VGLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	0.59	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	0.92	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.10	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	0.75	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.89	1.96	+1.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMUFX Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is higher than the VGLT Sharpe Ratio of 0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMUFX and VGLT, 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

	MMUFX	VGLT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89	0.59	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	-0.37	+0.84
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	-0.08	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.19	+0.45

Drawdowns

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMUFX drawdown since its inception was -56.03%, which is greater than VGLT's maximum drawdown of -46.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMUFX and VGLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMUFX	VGLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.03%	-46.18%	-9.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.75%	-7.01%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.72%	-17.68%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-40.98%	+19.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.82%	-46.18%	+10.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.07%	-36.83%	+29.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-15.06%	+6.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	2.68%	+0.59%

Volatility

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Volatility Comparison

MFS Utilities Fund (MMUFX) has a higher volatility of 5.49% compared to Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) at 2.59%. This indicates that MMUFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMUFX	VGLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.49%	2.59%	+2.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.64%	5.94%	+5.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.28%	8.88%	+5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.81%	14.58%	+1.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.64%	13.81%	+2.83%

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMUFX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VGLT's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMUFX vs. VGLT - Dividend Comparison

MMUFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.65%, less than VGLT's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MMUFX MFS Utilities Fund	3.65%	3.83%	3.72%	5.82%	8.68%	5.61%	5.80%	6.85%	4.29%	2.67%	3.72%	9.09%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	4.61%	4.44%	4.33%	3.33%	2.84%	1.82%	2.15%	2.46%	2.71%	2.55%	2.69%	3.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMUFX and VGLT in my portfolio?

MMUFX and VGLT have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MMUFX or VGLT?

MMUFX has higher volatility (5.49%) compared to VGLT (2.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMUFX dropped -56.03% vs VGLT's -46.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MMUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs 0.59), 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.