MVCAX vs. VMFVX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MVCAX (MFS Mid Cap Value Fund) and VMFVX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MVCAX returned 9.73%/yr vs 10.51%/yr for VMFVX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MVCAX charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VMFVX.

Performance

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MVCAX having a 8.61% return and VMFVX slightly higher at 9.01%. Over the past 10 years, MVCAX has underperformed VMFVX with an annualized return of 9.73%, while VMFVX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.51% annualized return.

MVCAX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 8.61%
• 6M: 8.61%
• 1Y: 17.49%
• 3Y*: 13.44%
• 5Y*: 7.50%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

VMFVX

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 9.01%
• 6M: 9.08%
• 1Y: 21.48%
• 3Y*: 14.00%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

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

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MVCAX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund	8.61%	6.09%	13.57%	12.51%	-8.96%	30.43%	4.03%	30.57%	-11.69%	13.37%
VMFVX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	9.01%	7.57%	10.59%	16.49%	-7.03%	30.54%	3.68%	26.18%	-11.90%	12.27%

Correlation

The correlation between MVCAX and VMFVX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2011	0.96

The correlation between MVCAX and VMFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MVCAX vs. VMFVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MVCAX

MVCAX Risk / Return Rank: 22
MVCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
MVCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MVCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
MVCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MVCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VMFVX

VMFVX Risk / Return Rank: 26
VMFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VMFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
VMFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VMFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VMFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFVX). 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.

	MVCAX	VMFVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.39	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.10	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.99	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.20	6.85	-0.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MVCAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the VMFVX Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MVCAX and VMFVX, 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

	MVCAX	VMFVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	1.39	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44	0.39	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.48	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.52	-0.07

Drawdowns

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MVCAX drawdown since its inception was -60.41%, which is greater than VMFVX's maximum drawdown of -45.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MVCAX and VMFVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MVCAX	VMFVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.41%	-45.79%	-14.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.39%	-10.52%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.05%	-22.46%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.05%	-22.46%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.79%	-45.79%	+3.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.40%	-0.35%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.13%	-5.48%	-2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	3.05%	-0.30%

Volatility

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Mid Cap Value Fund (MVCAX) is 3.44%, while Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFVX) has a volatility of 3.87%. This indicates that MVCAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMFVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MVCAX	VMFVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.44%	3.87%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.69%	10.50%	-0.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.40%	15.13%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.23%	19.47%	-2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.26%	21.88%	-2.62%

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MVCAX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than VMFVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MVCAX vs. VMFVX - Dividend Comparison

MVCAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.55%, more than VMFVX's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MVCAX MFS Mid Cap Value Fund	7.55%	8.21%	10.99%	2.73%	5.22%	5.70%	0.80%	2.03%	6.36%	3.36%	0.07%	4.59%
VMFVX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.73%	1.88%	1.81%	1.58%	2.04%	1.81%	2.48%	1.94%	2.01%	1.56%	1.42%	1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MVCAX and VMFVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MVCAX and VMFVX 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, MVCAX or VMFVX?

VMFVX has higher volatility (3.87%) compared to MVCAX (3.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MVCAX dropped -60.41% vs VMFVX's -45.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.28), 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.