MSEGX vs. MACGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSEGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth Portfolio) and MACGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A) are both mutual funds - MSEGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Morgan Stanley, while MACGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 10 years, MSEGX returned 16.63%/yr vs 13.89%/yr for MACGX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSEGX charges 0.87%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for MACGX.

Performance

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth Portfolio (MSEGX) and Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSEGX achieves a -8.03% return, which is significantly lower than MACGX's -1.69% return. Over the past 10 years, MSEGX has outperformed MACGX with an annualized return of 16.63%, while MACGX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.89% annualized return.

MSEGX

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: -8.03%
• 6M: -11.82%
• 1Y: -0.59%
• 3Y*: 24.87%
• 5Y*: -2.21%
• 10Y*: 16.63%

MACGX

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -3.83%
• YTD: -1.69%
• 6M: -5.39%
• 1Y: -5.17%
• 3Y*: 23.02%
• 5Y*: -6.84%
• 10Y*: 13.89%

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

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSEGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth Portfolio	-8.03%	24.43%	46.29%	49.87%	-60.27%	-0.31%	115.11%	38.93%	5.01%	43.53%
MACGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A	-1.69%	13.71%	42.06%	46.30%	-63.51%	-12.84%	142.01%	39.41%	11.85%	38.99%

Correlation

The correlation between MSEGX and MACGX is 0.95, 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 MSEGX and MACGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSEGX vs. MACGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSEGX

MSEGX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MSEGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
MSEGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
MSEGX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MSEGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MSEGX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

MACGX

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

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.

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MSEGX	MACGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	-0.14	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.28	0.00	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.00	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.05	-0.15	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.11	-0.30	+0.42

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSEGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is higher than the MACGX Sharpe Ratio of -0.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSEGX and MACGX, 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

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSEGX drawdown since its inception was -69.57%, smaller than the maximum MACGX drawdown of -77.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSEGX and MACGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSEGX	MACGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.57%	-77.61%	+8.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.83%	-27.55%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.54%	-28.55%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.57%	-77.61%	+8.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.57%	-77.61%	+8.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.51%	-45.34%	+24.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.50%	-25.68%	+6.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.46%	13.19%	+0.27%

Volatility

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth Portfolio (MSEGX) has a higher volatility of 10.32% compared to Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX) at 9.70%. This indicates that MSEGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MACGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSEGX	MACGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.32%	9.70%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.47%	21.87%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.30%	28.80%	+0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.87%	48.40%	-8.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.91%	39.45%	-5.54%

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSEGX has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than MACGX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSEGX vs. MACGX - Dividend Comparison

Neither MSEGX nor MACGX 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%
MSEGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%	0.42%	0.00%	18.70%	26.52%	10.03%	22.75%	5.67%	22.18%	13.17%	7.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSEGX and MACGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, MSEGX and MACGX 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, MSEGX or MACGX?

MSEGX has higher volatility (10.32%) compared to MACGX (9.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSEGX dropped -69.57% vs MACGX's -77.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSEGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.05 vs -0.14), 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.