MUSEX vs. VO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MUSEX (MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both funds - MUSEX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by MFS, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, MUSEX returned 14.57%/yr vs 11.55%/yr for VO. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MUSEX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

MUSEX vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUSEX achieves a 10.98% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 10.05% return. Over the past 10 years, MUSEX has outperformed VO with an annualized return of 14.57%, while VO has yielded a comparatively lower 11.55% annualized return.

MUSEX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 4.86%
• YTD: 10.98%
• 6M: 11.81%
• 1Y: 26.71%
• 3Y*: 22.60%
• 5Y*: 14.39%
• 10Y*: 14.57%

VO

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 10.05%
• 6M: 9.73%
• 1Y: 18.13%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.87%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

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

MUSEX vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	10.98%	16.10%	25.17%	28.30%	-16.02%	29.24%	15.47%	28.80%	-7.82%	18.95%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.05%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between MUSEX and VO is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.91

The correlation between MUSEX and VO shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.91 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MUSEX vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUSEX

MUSEX Risk / Return Rank: 63
MUSEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
MUSEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
MUSEX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
MUSEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
MUSEX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 43
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	MUSEX	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	1.48	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.14	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.26	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.21	2.23	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.30	8.50	+5.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MUSEX vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUSEX Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is higher than the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUSEX and VO, 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

	MUSEX	VO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.27	1.48	+0.79
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85	0.45	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.61	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.50	+0.03

Drawdowns

MUSEX vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUSEX drawdown since its inception was -54.78%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUSEX and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUSEX	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.78%	-58.87%	+4.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.17%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.18%	-19.02%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.87%	-27.57%	+5.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.60%	-39.37%	+4.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.45%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.59%	-7.86%	-2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	2.14%	-0.21%

Volatility

MUSEX vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) is 2.58%, while Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) has a volatility of 2.99%. This indicates that MUSEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUSEX	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.58%	2.99%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	9.21%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.18%	12.34%	-0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	17.59%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	18.95%	-0.63%

MUSEX vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUSEX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUSEX vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

MUSEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.45%, more than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	6.45%	7.15%	10.44%	3.91%	9.26%	16.18%	7.12%	5.19%	11.98%	2.04%	1.20%	3.32%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUSEX and VO in my portfolio?

MUSEX and VO have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MUSEX or VO?

VO has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to MUSEX (2.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUSEX dropped -54.78% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MUSEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.27 vs 1.48), 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.