MFSV vs SPY
MFS Active Value 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $562M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.90% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.01% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MFSV vs SPY Performance
MFS Active Value ETF (MFSV) 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 MFSV returned +20.01% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MFSV is up 12.90% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.9% for MFSV. 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 -12.7% for MFSV 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSV charges 0.44% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $9 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSV currently yields 1.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MFSV and SPY share 58 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSV or SPY?
MFSV has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSV or SPY?
Over the past year MFSV returned +20.01% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSV annualized +13.27% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.9% for MFSV. Worst drawdown: MFSV -12.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MFSV and SPY?
MFSV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSV and SPY?
MFSV and SPY share 58 common holdings with a 19.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSV or SPY?
MFSV yields 1.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MFSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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