GWPAX vs. MSFT

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

GWPAX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A) is Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by American Funds, while MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, GWPAX returned 12.94%/yr vs 23.70%/yr for MSFT. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWPAX achieves a 9.08% return, which is significantly higher than MSFT's -18.21% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPAX has underperformed MSFT with an annualized return of 12.94%, while MSFT has yielded a comparatively higher 23.70% annualized return.

GWPAX

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -0.54%
• 6M: 6.15%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 1Y: 17.69%
• 3Y*: 18.93%
• 5Y*: 9.76%
• 10Y*: 12.94%

MSFT

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: 3.93%
• 6M: -13.98%
• YTD: -18.21%
• 1Y: -22.42%
• 3Y*: 3.89%
• 5Y*: 7.89%
• 10Y*: 23.70%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	9.08%	20.47%	20.17%	28.76%	-26.97%	18.59%	25.34%	27.19%	-6.59%	25.12%
MSFT Microsoft Corporation	-18.21%	15.58%	12.93%	58.19%	-28.02%	52.48%	42.53%	57.56%	20.80%	40.73%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPAX and MSFT is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between GWPAX and MSFT has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

GWPAX vs. MSFT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GWPAX

GWPAX Risk / Return Rank: 28
GWPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
GWPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
GWPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
GWPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
GWPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

MSFT

MSFT Risk / Return Rank: 14
MSFT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
MSFT Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
MSFT Omega Ratio Rank: 12
MSFT Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
MSFT Martin Ratio Rank: 15

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GWPAX	MSFT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	-0.82	+2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	-1.05	+2.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	0.87	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	-0.65	+2.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.71	-1.20	+7.92

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is higher than the MSFT Sharpe Ratio of -0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPAX and MSFT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPAX drawdown since its inception was -34.15%, smaller than the maximum MSFT drawdown of -69.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPAX and MSFT.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPAX	MSFT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.15%	-69.38%	+35.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-34.50%	+22.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.42%	-34.50%	+15.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.15%	-37.15%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.15%	-37.15%	+3.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.29%	-26.89%	+24.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-21.80%	+16.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	18.67%	-15.93%

Volatility

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) is 4.43%, while Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has a volatility of 10.85%. This indicates that GWPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSFT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWPAX	MSFT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	10.85%	-6.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	24.41%	-11.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.46%	27.40%	-11.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.45%	27.05%	-8.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	27.19%	-9.19%

Dividends

GWPAX vs. MSFT - Dividend Comparison

GWPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.27%, more than MSFT's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	5.27%	5.75%	5.83%	1.61%	9.94%	3.42%	3.42%	5.77%	6.19%	3.39%	4.36%	4.84%
MSFT Microsoft Corporation	0.90%	0.70%	0.73%	0.74%	1.06%	0.68%	0.94%	1.20%	1.69%	1.86%	2.37%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPAX and MSFT in my portfolio?

GWPAX and MSFT have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GWPAX or MSFT?

MSFT has higher volatility (10.85%) compared to GWPAX (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPAX dropped -34.15% vs MSFT's -69.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs -0.82), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.