MEGIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

MEGIX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, MEGIX returned 1.13%/yr vs 13.91%/yr for VUG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MEGIX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

MEGIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MEGIX achieves a -4.48% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 6.86% return.

MEGIX

• 1D: 5.05%
• 1M: 3.72%
• YTD: -4.48%
• 6M: -6.80%
• 1Y: 3.72%
• 3Y*: 28.92%
• 5Y*: 1.13%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: -0.73%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 7.81%
• 1Y: 23.46%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.91%
• 10Y*: 18.18%

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

MEGIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MEGIX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio	-4.48%	35.72%	46.59%	48.66%	-60.94%	-0.20%	117.49%	31.82%	7.73%	19.35%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	6.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	23.37%

Correlation

The correlation between MEGIX and VUG 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	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2017	0.78

The correlation between MEGIX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MEGIX vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	MEGIX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	1.42	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.47	1.95	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.25	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.20	1.43	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.42	4.90	-4.48

MEGIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MEGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MEGIX and VUG, 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

MEGIX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MEGIX drawdown since its inception was -69.99%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MEGIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MEGIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.99%	-50.68%	-19.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.03%	-16.53%	-11.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.12%	-22.85%	-9.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.99%	-35.61%	-34.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.92%	-3.88%	-11.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.02%	-7.09%	-15.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.41%	4.80%	+8.61%

Volatility

MEGIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio (MEGIX) has a higher volatility of 10.84% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.29%. This indicates that MEGIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MEGIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.84%	6.29%	+4.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.12%	13.22%	+9.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.43%	16.66%	+12.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.95%	22.34%	+17.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.75%	21.51%	+13.24%

MEGIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MEGIX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MEGIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

MEGIX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MEGIX and VUG in my portfolio?

MEGIX and VUG 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, MEGIX or VUG?

MEGIX has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to VUG (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MEGIX dropped -69.99% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 0.19), 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.