MUSEX vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MUSEX (MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both funds - MUSEX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by MFS, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MUSEX returned 14.80%/yr vs 15.53%/yr for SPY. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MUSEX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

MUSEX vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUSEX achieves a 9.45% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 8.15% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MUSEX having a 14.80% annualized return and SPY not far ahead at 15.53%.

MUSEX

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: 8.35%
• 1Y: 23.62%
• 3Y*: 21.33%
• 5Y*: 13.89%
• 10Y*: 14.80%

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

MUSEX vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	9.45%	16.10%	25.17%	28.30%	-16.02%	29.24%	15.47%	28.80%	-7.82%	18.95%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between MUSEX and SPY is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 1994	0.95

The correlation between MUSEX and SPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MUSEX vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUSEX

MUSEX Risk / Return Rank: 57
MUSEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
MUSEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MUSEX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
MUSEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
MUSEX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

MUSEX vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	MUSEX	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.90	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.58	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	2.67	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	11.92	+0.62

MUSEX vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUSEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUSEX and SPY, 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

MUSEX vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUSEX drawdown since its inception was -54.78%, roughly equal to the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUSEX and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUSEX	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.78%	-55.19%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.88%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.18%	-18.76%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.87%	-24.50%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.60%	-33.72%	-0.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-3.17%	+1.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.58%	-9.04%	-1.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	1.98%	0.00%

Volatility

MUSEX vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) is 4.43%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.87%. This indicates that MUSEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUSEX	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	4.87%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	9.85%	+0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.69%	12.50%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.10%	17.15%	-0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.36%	17.95%	+0.41%

MUSEX vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUSEX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUSEX vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

MUSEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.54%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	6.54%	7.15%	10.44%	3.91%	9.26%	16.18%	7.12%	5.19%	11.98%	2.04%	1.20%	3.32%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUSEX and SPY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, MUSEX and SPY 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, MUSEX or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to MUSEX (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUSEX dropped -54.78% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MUSEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.90), 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.