MFSG vs VTI
MFS Active Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $384M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.15% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.13% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MFSG vs VTI Performance
MFS Active Growth ETF (MFSG) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFSG returned +11.13% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MFSG is up 6.15% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSG currently yields 0.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MFSG and VTI share 55 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSG or VTI?
MFSG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSG or VTI?
Over the past year MFSG returned +11.13% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSG annualized +10.28% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSG or VTI?
MFSG has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MFSG -23.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MFSG and VTI?
MFSG and VTI 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 VTI?
MFSG and VTI share 55 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSG or VTI?
MFSG yields 0.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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