MFSG vs SPY
MFS Active Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $384M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.15% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.13% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MFSG vs SPY Performance
MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MFSG returned +11.13% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, MFSG is up 6.15% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -23.2% for MFSG and -56.5% for SPY. 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
MFSG charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSG currently yields 0.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MFSG and SPY share 54 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSG or SPY?
MFSG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSG or SPY?
Over the past year MFSG returned +11.13% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSG annualized +10.28% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSG or SPY?
MFSG has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MFSG -23.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MFSG and SPY?
MFSG and SPY 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 MFSG and SPY?
MFSG and SPY share 54 common holdings with a 42.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSG or SPY?
MFSG yields 0.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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