MACGX vs. MSEQX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

MACGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A) and MSEQX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I) are both mutual funds - MACGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while MSEQX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 10 years, MACGX returned 13.65%/yr vs 16.56%/yr for MSEQX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MACGX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for MSEQX.

Performance

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX) 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, MACGX achieves a 1.02% return, which is significantly higher than MSEQX's -5.26% return. Over the past 10 years, MACGX has underperformed MSEQX with an annualized return of 13.65%, while MSEQX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.56% annualized return.

MACGX

• 1D: -2.16%
• 1M: 2.89%
• 6M: -4.61%
• YTD: 1.02%
• 1Y: -5.63%
• 3Y*: 20.41%
• 5Y*: -5.46%
• 10Y*: 13.65%

MSEQX

• 1D: -2.66%
• 1M: 3.71%
• 6M: -8.25%
• YTD: -5.26%
• 1Y: 0.32%
• 3Y*: 23.19%
• 5Y*: -1.09%
• 10Y*: 16.56%

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

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MACGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A	1.02%	13.71%	42.06%	46.30%	-63.51%	-12.84%	142.01%	39.41%	11.85%	38.99%
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	-5.26%	24.78%	46.65%	50.25%	-60.18%	-0.00%	115.60%	38.25%	5.38%	43.91%

Correlation

The correlation between MACGX and MSEQX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 1997	0.92

The correlation between MACGX and MSEQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MACGX vs. MSEQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MACGX

MACGX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MACGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MACGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
MACGX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MACGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
MACGX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

MSEQX

MSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 4
MSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX) 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.

	MACGX	MSEQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.16	0.08	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.02	0.31	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.04	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.16	0.08	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.33	0.16	-0.49

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MACGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.16, which is lower than the MSEQX Sharpe Ratio of 0.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MACGX 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

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MACGX drawdown since its inception was -77.61%, which is greater than MSEQX's maximum drawdown of -69.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MACGX and MSEQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MACGX	MSEQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.61%	-69.48%	-8.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.55%	-27.73%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.55%	-32.52%	+3.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.61%	-69.48%	-8.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-77.61%	-69.48%	-8.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.83%	-17.24%	-26.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.71%	-16.90%	-8.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.54%	13.81%	-0.27%

Volatility

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX) is 7.15%, while Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) has a volatility of 8.93%. This indicates that MACGX 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

	MACGX	MSEQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.15%	8.93%	-1.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.95%	22.60%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.82%	29.32%	-0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.42%	39.91%	+8.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.45%	33.89%	+5.56%

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MACGX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than MSEQX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

MACGX vs. MSEQX - Dividend Comparison

Neither MACGX nor MSEQX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MACGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	52.53%	9.95%	15.34%	29.46%	48.48%	75.72%	14.05%
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	0.00%	0.00%	0.55%	0.00%	16.79%	24.24%	9.36%	21.39%	5.38%	21.18%	12.71%	7.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MACGX and MSEQX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, MACGX and MSEQX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MACGX or MSEQX?

MSEQX has higher volatility (8.93%) compared to MACGX (7.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MACGX dropped -77.61% vs MSEQX's -69.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSEQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.08 vs -0.16), 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.