MEGIX vs. MSAQX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MEGIX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio) and MSAQX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio) are both mutual funds - MEGIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while MSAQX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 5 years, MEGIX returned 2.96%/yr vs -3.56%/yr for MSAQX. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEGIX charges 0.57%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for MSAQX.

Performance

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) and Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio (MSAQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEGIX achieves a -1.13% return, which is significantly lower than MSAQX's 20.18% return.

MEGIX

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: -1.13%
• 6M: -3.24%
• 1Y: 8.29%
• 3Y*: 32.57%
• 5Y*: 2.96%
• 10Y*: —

MSAQX

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 13.16%
• YTD: 20.18%
• 6M: 16.23%
• 1Y: 17.11%
• 3Y*: 12.55%
• 5Y*: -3.56%
• 10Y*: 10.88%

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

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MEGIX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio	-1.13%	35.72%	46.59%	48.66%	-60.94%	-0.20%	117.49%	31.82%	7.73%	19.35%
MSAQX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio	20.18%	2.06%	19.71%	-6.83%	-22.01%	-20.52%	52.55%	44.74%	-13.64%	65.87%

Correlation

The correlation between MEGIX and MSAQX is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.51

The correlation between MEGIX and MSAQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEGIX vs. MSAQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MEGIX

MEGIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
MEGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
MEGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
MEGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
MEGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
MEGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

MSAQX

MSAQX Risk / Return Rank: 9
MSAQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
MSAQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
MSAQX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MSAQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
MSAQX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) and Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio (MSAQX). 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.

	MEGIX	MSAQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.32	0.78	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	1.20	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.16	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	0.72	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.69	1.84	-1.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.32, which is lower than the MSAQX Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEGIX and MSAQX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MEGIX	MSAQX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32	0.78	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07	-0.15	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.49	-0.01

Drawdowns

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEGIX drawdown since its inception was -69.99%, which is greater than MSAQX's maximum drawdown of -61.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEGIX and MSAQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEGIX	MSAQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.99%	-61.11%	-8.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.03%	-23.57%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.12%	-23.57%	-8.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.99%	-53.29%	-16.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-61.11%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.94%	-30.78%	+18.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.05%	-24.42%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.99%	9.13%	+3.86%

Volatility

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) is 8.29%, while Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio (MSAQX) has a volatility of 9.27%. This indicates that MEGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSAQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEGIX	MSAQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.29%	9.27%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.65%	18.83%	+2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.17%	21.61%	+6.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.80%	24.54%	+15.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.70%	22.38%	+12.32%

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEGIX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than MSAQX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEGIX vs. MSAQX - Dividend Comparison

Neither MEGIX nor MSAQX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MEGIX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	163.32%	34.82%	7.97%	5.35%	24.32%	0.00%	0.00%
MSAQX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	1.82%	0.26%	0.00%	0.88%	1.06%	0.05%	0.69%	1.12%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEGIX and MSAQX in my portfolio?

MEGIX and MSAQX have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MEGIX or MSAQX?

MSAQX has higher volatility (9.27%) compared to MEGIX (8.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEGIX dropped -69.99% vs MSAQX's -61.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSAQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.78 vs 0.32), 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.