MUSEX vs. VSMPX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

MUSEX (MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund) and VSMPX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MUSEX returned 14.23%/yr vs 14.49%/yr for VSMPX. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. MUSEX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VSMPX.

Performance

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUSEX achieves a 11.18% return, which is significantly higher than VSMPX's 9.88% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MUSEX having a 14.23% annualized return and VSMPX not far ahead at 14.49%.

MUSEX

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: 0.76%
• 6M: 8.99%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 1Y: 21.28%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 13.44%
• 10Y*: 14.23%
• ALL TIME*: 9.53%

VSMPX

• 1D: 1.63%
• 1M: -0.78%
• 6M: 8.16%
• YTD: 9.88%
• 1Y: 21.12%
• 3Y*: 18.60%
• 5Y*: 11.63%
• 10Y*: 14.49%
• ALL TIME*: 14.62%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	11.18%	16.10%	25.17%	28.30%	-16.02%	29.24%	15.47%	28.80%	-7.82%	18.95%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	9.88%	17.15%	23.26%	26.53%	-19.50%	25.74%	21.01%	30.79%	-5.16%	21.19%

Correlation

The correlation between MUSEX and VSMPX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.98

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

Return for Risk

MUSEX vs. VSMPX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MUSEX

MUSEX Risk / Return Rank: 60
MUSEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
MUSEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
MUSEX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
MUSEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
MUSEX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VSMPX

VSMPX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VSMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VSMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VSMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VSMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VSMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). 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	VSMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.43	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.01	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	2.10	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.32	9.09	+0.22

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUSEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the VSMPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUSEX and VSMPX, 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. VSMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUSEX drawdown since its inception was -54.78%, which is greater than VSMPX's maximum drawdown of -34.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUSEX and VSMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUSEX	VSMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.78%	-34.97%	-19.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.92%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.18%	-19.36%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.87%	-25.35%	+3.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.60%	-34.97%	+0.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.22%	-1.89%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.55%	-4.55%	-6.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	2.06%	-0.02%

Volatility

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund (MUSEX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) have volatilities of 3.36% and 3.41%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUSEX	VSMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	3.41%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.15%	10.27%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	13.13%	-0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	17.47%	-0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.32%	18.41%	-0.09%

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUSEX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMPX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUSEX vs. VSMPX - Dividend Comparison

MUSEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.43%, more than VSMPX's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MUSEX MFS Blended Research Core Equity Fund	6.43%	7.15%	10.44%	3.91%	9.26%	16.18%	7.12%	5.19%	11.98%	2.04%	1.20%	3.32%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.07%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.22%	1.43%	1.78%	2.05%	1.73%	1.95%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUSEX and VSMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, MUSEX and VSMPX 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 VSMPX?

VSMPX has higher volatility (3.41%) compared to MUSEX (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUSEX dropped -54.78% vs VSMPX's -34.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MUSEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 vs 1.43), 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.