MVGIX vs. LVAFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MVGIX (MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund) and LVAFX (LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MVGIX returned 9.22%/yr vs 8.16%/yr for LVAFX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MVGIX charges 0.74%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for LVAFX.

Performance

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund (MVGIX) and LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund (LVAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MVGIX achieves a 2.95% return, which is significantly lower than LVAFX's 13.49% return. Over the past 10 years, MVGIX has outperformed LVAFX with an annualized return of 9.22%, while LVAFX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.16% annualized return.

MVGIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 2.95%
• 6M: 3.95%
• 1Y: 10.44%
• 3Y*: 13.00%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

LVAFX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.53%
• YTD: 13.49%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 26.19%
• 3Y*: 14.68%
• 5Y*: 8.40%
• 10Y*: 8.16%

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

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MVGIX MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund	2.95%	16.30%	12.64%	13.71%	-8.21%	16.84%	5.47%	20.59%	-2.40%	18.49%
LVAFX LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund	13.49%	22.33%	0.10%	9.81%	-4.04%	17.36%	-5.16%	17.54%	-6.47%	18.68%

Correlation

The correlation between MVGIX and LVAFX is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2015	0.87

The correlation between MVGIX and LVAFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MVGIX vs. LVAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MVGIX

MVGIX Risk / Return Rank: 17
MVGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
MVGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
MVGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
MVGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
MVGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

LVAFX

LVAFX Risk / Return Rank: 89
LVAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
LVAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
LVAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
LVAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
LVAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund (MVGIX) and LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund (LVAFX). 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.

	MVGIX	LVAFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	3.11	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	4.55	-2.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.58	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	4.59	-3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.94	17.62	-13.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MVGIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is lower than the LVAFX Sharpe Ratio of 3.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MVGIX and LVAFX, 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

	MVGIX	LVAFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.26	3.11	-1.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83	0.64	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	0.60	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	0.55	+0.19

Drawdowns

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MVGIX drawdown since its inception was -30.19%, smaller than the maximum LVAFX drawdown of -33.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MVGIX and LVAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MVGIX	LVAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.19%	-33.69%	+3.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.65%	-5.76%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.70%	-17.52%	+8.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.01%	-18.34%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.19%	-33.69%	+3.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.35%	0.00%	-4.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.91%	-4.75%	+1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	1.50%	+1.09%

Volatility

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund (MVGIX) and LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund (LVAFX) have volatilities of 2.02% and 2.03%, 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

	MVGIX	LVAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.02%	2.03%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.26%	6.12%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.14%	8.49%	-0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.54%	13.23%	-2.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.39%	13.59%	-1.20%

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MVGIX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than LVAFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MVGIX vs. LVAFX - Dividend Comparison

MVGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.63%, more than LVAFX's 8.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVAFX LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund	8.96%	10.17%	2.71%	15.64%	2.90%	2.90%	2.14%	7.62%	3.59%	7.10%	1.66%	1.74%
MVGIX MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund	10.63%	10.94%	7.84%	1.88%	3.98%	9.43%	1.55%	2.79%	4.98%	1.95%	1.60%	1.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MVGIX and LVAFX in my portfolio?

MVGIX and LVAFX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MVGIX or LVAFX?

LVAFX has higher volatility (2.03%) compared to MVGIX (2.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MVGIX dropped -30.19% vs LVAFX's -33.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVAFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.11 vs 1.26), 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.