MPEGX vs. MSAQX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MPEGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio) and MSAQX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio) are both mutual funds - MPEGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while MSAQX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 10 years, MPEGX returned 14.21%/yr vs 10.43%/yr for MSAQX. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MPEGX charges 0.72%/yr vs 1.10%/yr for MSAQX.

Performance

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio (MPEGX) 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, MPEGX achieves a -1.79% return, which is significantly lower than MSAQX's 12.87% return. Over the past 10 years, MPEGX has outperformed MSAQX with an annualized return of 14.21%, while MSAQX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.43% annualized return.

MPEGX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -4.01%
• YTD: -1.79%
• 6M: -5.48%
• 1Y: -6.65%
• 3Y*: 23.26%
• 5Y*: -6.85%
• 10Y*: 14.21%

MSAQX

• 1D: -4.88%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 12.87%
• 6M: 12.46%
• 1Y: 5.09%
• 3Y*: 10.62%
• 5Y*: -4.52%
• 10Y*: 10.43%

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

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MPEGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio	-1.79%	14.05%	42.38%	46.66%	-63.39%	-12.37%	142.68%	39.73%	12.19%	39.39%
MSAQX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio	12.87%	2.06%	19.71%	-6.83%	-22.01%	-20.52%	52.55%	44.74%	-13.64%	76.83%

Correlation

The correlation between MPEGX and MSAQX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.49

The correlation between MPEGX and MSAQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MPEGX vs. MSAQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MPEGX

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

MSAQX

MSAQX Risk / Return Rank: 6
MSAQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
MSAQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
MSAQX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
MSAQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
MSAQX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	MPEGX	MSAQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	0.35	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.06	0.63	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.09	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.19	0.35	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.39	0.90	-1.29

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MPEGX Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is lower than the MSAQX Sharpe Ratio of 0.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MPEGX 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.

Drawdowns

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MPEGX drawdown since its inception was -75.29%, which is greater than MSAQX's maximum drawdown of -61.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MPEGX and MSAQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MPEGX	MSAQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.29%	-61.11%	-14.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.46%	-23.57%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.53%	-23.57%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-72.99%	-53.01%	-19.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-75.29%	-61.11%	-14.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.28%	-34.99%	-4.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.24%	-24.46%	+3.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.14%	9.22%	+3.92%

Volatility

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio (MPEGX) is 9.66%, while Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Asia Opportunity Portfolio (MSAQX) has a volatility of 11.79%. This indicates that MPEGX 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

	MPEGX	MSAQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.66%	11.79%	-2.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.86%	20.95%	+0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.72%	23.74%	+4.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.31%	24.93%	+15.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.61%	22.58%	+12.03%

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MPEGX has a 0.72% expense ratio, which is lower than MSAQX's 1.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MPEGX vs. MSAQX - Dividend Comparison

Neither MPEGX nor MSAQX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MPEGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	35.82%	7.63%	12.05%	23.88%	41.11%	67.79%	13.20%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MPEGX and MSAQX in my portfolio?

MPEGX and MSAQX have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MPEGX or MSAQX?

MSAQX has higher volatility (11.79%) compared to MPEGX (9.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MPEGX dropped -75.29% vs MSAQX's -61.11%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSAQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.35 vs -0.18), 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.