MS vs. VOO
MS (Morgan Stanley) is a stock, while VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MS returned 25.48%/yr vs 14.98%/yr for VOO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.
Performance
MS vs. VOO - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MS achieves a 20.12% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 9.44% return. Over the past 10 years, MS has outperformed VOO with an annualized return of 25.48%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively lower 14.98% annualized return.
MS
- 1D
- -2.12%
- 1M
- -5.48%
- 6M
- 12.77%
- YTD
- 20.12%
- 1Y
- 53.40%
- 3Y*
- 35.16%
- 5Y*
- 20.96%
- 10Y*
- 25.48%
- ALL TIME*
- 13.01%
VOO
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- -0.57%
- 6M
- 7.90%
- YTD
- 9.44%
- 1Y
- 19.65%
- 3Y*
- 19.52%
- 5Y*
- 12.88%
- 10Y*
- 14.98%
- ALL TIME*
- 14.77%
MS vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Morgan Stanley | 20.12% | 45.16% | 39.73% | 13.93% | -10.34% | 46.65% | 38.09% | 32.67% | -22.76% | 26.61% |
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 9.44% | 17.82% | 24.98% | 26.32% | -18.17% | 28.79% | 18.32% | 31.37% | -4.50% | 21.77% |
Correlation
The correlation between MS and VOO is 0.63, 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 | 0.63 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.60 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.65 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.65 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010 | 0.67 |
The correlation between MS and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MS vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank
MS
VOO
MS vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley (MS) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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.
| MS | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.40 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.36 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.28 | +0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.85 | 2.22 | +0.63 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.21 | 9.63 | -0.42 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MS vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MS drawdown since its inception was -88.12%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MS and VOO.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MS | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -88.12% | -33.99% | -54.13% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -18.83% | -8.90% | -9.93% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -29.24% | -18.69% | -10.55% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -32.38% | -24.52% | -7.86% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -51.33% | -33.99% | -17.34% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.71% | -2.01% | -5.70% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -33.60% | -3.67% | -29.93% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.82% | 2.04% | +3.78% |
Volatility
MS vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison
Morgan Stanley (MS) has a higher volatility of 9.63% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 3.36%. This indicates that MS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MS | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 9.63% | 3.36% | +6.27% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 22.21% | 10.02% | +12.19% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 27.22% | 12.58% | +14.64% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 28.76% | 16.91% | +11.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 31.32% | 18.00% | +13.32% |
Dividends
MS vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison
MS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, more than VOO's 1.08% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Morgan Stanley | 1.90% | 2.17% | 2.82% | 3.49% | 3.47% | 2.14% | 2.04% | 2.54% | 2.77% | 1.72% | 1.66% | 1.73% |
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.24% | 1.46% | 1.69% | 1.25% | 1.54% | 1.88% | 2.06% | 1.78% | 2.02% | 2.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MS and VOO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MS has higher volatility (9.63%) compared to VOO (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MS dropped -88.12% vs VOO's -33.99%.
MS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.57), 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.
Find the right allocation for MS and VOO
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer