MWOFX vs. VMVFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MWOFX (MFS Global Growth Fund) and VMVFX (Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MWOFX returned 10.44%/yr vs 9.59%/yr for VMVFX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MWOFX charges 1.22%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for VMVFX.

Performance

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Global Growth Fund (MWOFX) and Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares (VMVFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MWOFX achieves a -5.85% return, which is significantly lower than VMVFX's 7.55% return. Over the past 10 years, MWOFX has outperformed VMVFX with an annualized return of 10.44%, while VMVFX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.59% annualized return.

MWOFX

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: -5.85%
• 6M: -6.63%
• 1Y: -1.61%
• 3Y*: 6.17%
• 5Y*: 3.06%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

VMVFX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -0.41%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 11.81%
• 3Y*: 13.18%
• 5Y*: 10.40%
• 10Y*: 9.59%

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

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MWOFX MFS Global Growth Fund	-5.85%	7.17%	10.68%	20.63%	-19.28%	18.33%	20.23%	35.37%	-4.94%	31.13%
VMVFX Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares	7.55%	12.74%	13.38%	7.82%	-4.48%	23.74%	-3.99%	23.28%	-1.79%	15.93%

Correlation

The correlation between MWOFX and VMVFX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2013	0.83

Over the past year, the correlation between MWOFX and VMVFX has dropped to 0.63 - well below their long-term average of 0.83, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MWOFX vs. VMVFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MWOFX

MWOFX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MWOFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MWOFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
MWOFX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MWOFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MWOFX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VMVFX

VMVFX Risk / Return Rank: 37
VMVFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VMVFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VMVFX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VMVFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VMVFX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Global Growth Fund (MWOFX) and Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares (VMVFX). 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.

	MWOFX	VMVFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.72	-1.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.05	2.46	-2.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.31	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	1.92	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.07	7.44	-7.51

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MWOFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the VMVFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MWOFX and VMVFX, 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

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MWOFX drawdown since its inception was -56.10%, which is greater than VMVFX's maximum drawdown of -33.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MWOFX and VMVFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MWOFX	VMVFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.10%	-33.09%	-23.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.82%	-6.27%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.45%	-7.96%	-8.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.64%	-13.02%	-14.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.68%	-33.09%	+1.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.11%	-1.68%	-6.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-2.82%	-9.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.65%	1.62%	+3.03%

Volatility

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Volatility Comparison

MFS Global Growth Fund (MWOFX) has a higher volatility of 4.33% compared to Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares (VMVFX) at 2.34%. This indicates that MWOFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMVFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MWOFX	VMVFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	2.34%	+1.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.07%	5.43%	+4.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.48%	7.03%	+5.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	10.77%	+5.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.57%	12.46%	+4.11%

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MWOFX has a 1.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VMVFX's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

MWOFX vs. VMVFX - Dividend Comparison

MWOFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.76%, less than VMVFX's 9.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MWOFX MFS Global Growth Fund	5.76%	5.42%	5.14%	2.09%	3.60%	6.25%	3.13%	1.86%	5.00%	3.43%	1.68%	6.08%
VMVFX Vanguard Global Minimum Volatility Fund Investor Shares	9.28%	9.98%	3.77%	3.05%	4.96%	12.73%	2.02%	5.12%	7.27%	2.30%	2.71%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MWOFX and VMVFX in my portfolio?

MWOFX and VMVFX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MWOFX or VMVFX?

MWOFX has higher volatility (4.33%) compared to VMVFX (2.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MWOFX dropped -56.10% vs VMVFX's -33.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMVFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs -0.03), 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.