IVV vs MFSG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs MFS Active Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MFSG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $384M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.07% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +5.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +10.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | MFS Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 5, 2024 |
IVV vs MFSG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while MFSG returned +10.02%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 5.48% for MFSG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -23.2% for MFSG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MFSG charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.07% for MFSG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MFSG share 52 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MFSG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MFSG charges 0.49%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MFSG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +10.02% for MFSG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +9.89% for MFSG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MFSG?
MFSG has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MFSG -23.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MFSG?
IVV and MFSG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MFSG?
IVV and MFSG share 52 common holdings with a 42.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MFSG?
IVV yields 1.10% while MFSG yields 0.07%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.