GWPFX vs. MSEQX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GWPFX (American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6) and MSEQX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I) are both mutual funds - GWPFX is a Global Equities fund managed by American Funds, while MSEQX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 10 years, GWPFX returned 13.55%/yr vs 16.81%/yr for MSEQX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GWPFX charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for MSEQX.

Performance

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) and Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWPFX achieves a 8.87% return, which is significantly higher than MSEQX's -8.36% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPFX has underperformed MSEQX with an annualized return of 13.55%, while MSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.81% annualized return.

GWPFX

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 8.87%
• 6M: 7.85%
• 1Y: 21.54%
• 3Y*: 20.81%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

MSEQX

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -2.41%
• YTD: -8.36%
• 6M: -12.06%
• 1Y: -2.55%
• 3Y*: 24.99%
• 5Y*: -2.26%
• 10Y*: 16.81%

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

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWPFX American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6	8.87%	20.46%	20.08%	28.78%	-26.99%	18.56%	25.39%	27.19%	-6.61%	25.09%
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	-8.36%	24.78%	46.65%	50.36%	-60.18%	-0.00%	115.60%	38.25%	5.38%	43.91%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPFX and MSEQX is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.78

The correlation between GWPFX and MSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GWPFX vs. MSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GWPFX

GWPFX Risk / Return Rank: 39
GWPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
GWPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
GWPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GWPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
GWPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

MSEQX

MSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) and Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX). 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.

	GWPFX	MSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	-0.03	+1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	0.17	+1.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.02	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	-0.03	+2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.67	-0.06	+8.73

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is higher than the MSEQX Sharpe Ratio of -0.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPFX and MSEQX, 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

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPFX drawdown since its inception was -52.51%, smaller than the maximum MSEQX drawdown of -69.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPFX and MSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPFX	MSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.51%	-69.48%	+16.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-27.73%	+15.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.40%	-32.52%	+13.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.15%	-69.48%	+35.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.51%	-69.48%	+16.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-19.90%	+17.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.72%	-16.90%	+11.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	13.43%	-10.71%

Volatility

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) is 6.36%, while Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) has a volatility of 10.31%. This indicates that GWPFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSEQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWPFX	MSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.36%	10.31%	-3.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	22.33%	-9.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.32%	29.25%	-13.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.41%	39.86%	-21.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.65%	33.86%	+7.79%

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWPFX has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than MSEQX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWPFX vs. MSEQX - Dividend Comparison

GWPFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.28%, while MSEQX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPFX American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6	5.28%	5.75%	5.81%	1.60%	9.84%	3.39%	3.41%	5.77%	6.18%	3.35%	4.30%	4.75%
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	0.00%	0.00%	0.55%	0.05%	16.79%	24.24%	9.36%	21.39%	5.38%	21.18%	12.71%	7.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPFX and MSEQX in my portfolio?

GWPFX and MSEQX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GWPFX or MSEQX?

MSEQX has higher volatility (10.31%) compared to GWPFX (6.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPFX dropped -52.51% vs MSEQX's -69.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs -0.03), 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.