MCR vs VOO
MCR vs VOO
MFS Charter Income Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. MCR offers more diversification with 549 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MCR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $270M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,076 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +11.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.59% | +21.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.80% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.97% | +13.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 1989 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MCR vs VOO Performance
MFS Charter Income Trust (MCR) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% while VOO returned +21.46%. Year to date, MCR is down 0.55% versus a gain of 11.51% for VOO.
Over three years, MCR compounded at +7.80% per year against +20.86% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.97% and +13.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +0.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.2% for MCR. 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 -45.2% for MCR and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCR charges 1.02% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCR currently yields 8.17% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MCR and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1054 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MCR or VOO?
MCR has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCR or VOO?
Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% vs +21.46% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MCR annualized +0.16% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.2% for MCR. Worst drawdown: MCR -45.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MCR and VOO?
MCR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MCR and VOO?
MCR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1054 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCR or VOO?
MCR yields 8.17% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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