MSEQX vs. MEMEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSEQX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I) and MEMEX (Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio) are both mutual funds - MSEQX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while MEMEX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 5 years, MSEQX returned 1.84%/yr vs 9.21%/yr for MEMEX. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSEQX charges 0.56%/yr vs 1.25%/yr for MEMEX.

Performance

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (MEMEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSEQX achieves a -1.20% return, which is significantly lower than MEMEX's 35.86% return.

MSEQX

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: -1.20%
• 6M: -2.94%
• 1Y: 9.09%
• 3Y*: 29.17%
• 5Y*: 1.84%
• 10Y*: 17.37%

MEMEX

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: 13.56%
• YTD: 35.86%
• 6M: 39.67%
• 1Y: 66.25%
• 3Y*: 27.83%
• 5Y*: 9.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	-1.20%	24.78%	46.65%	50.36%	-60.18%	-0.00%	115.60%	38.25%	5.38%	30.52%
MEMEX Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio	35.86%	32.98%	7.82%	11.90%	-25.14%	2.99%	14.40%	19.61%	-17.46%	26.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MSEQX and MEMEX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.54

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

Return for Risk

MSEQX vs. MEMEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSEQX

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

MEMEX

MEMEX Risk / Return Rank: 90
MEMEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
MEMEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
MEMEX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
MEMEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
MEMEX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (MEMEX). 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.

	MSEQX	MEMEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.35	3.42	-3.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.67	4.24	-3.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.64	-0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	4.43	-4.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.76	18.92	-18.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSEQX Sharpe Ratio is 0.35, which is lower than the MEMEX Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSEQX and MEMEX, 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

	MSEQX	MEMEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35	3.42	-3.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.52	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.54	-0.07

Drawdowns

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSEQX drawdown since its inception was -69.48%, which is greater than MEMEX's maximum drawdown of -39.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSEQX and MEMEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSEQX	MEMEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.48%	-39.90%	-29.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.73%	-14.99%	-12.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.52%	-17.21%	-15.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.48%	-37.30%	-32.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.64%	0.00%	-13.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.89%	-15.05%	-1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.82%	3.51%	+9.31%

Volatility

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) is 8.13%, while Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (MEMEX) has a volatility of 8.64%. This indicates that MSEQX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEMEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSEQX	MEMEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.13%	8.64%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.32%	17.13%	+4.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.99%	19.46%	+8.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.71%	17.80%	+21.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.76%	18.30%	+15.46%

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSEQX has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than MEMEX's 1.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSEQX vs. MEMEX - Dividend Comparison

MSEQX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MEMEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MEMEX Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio	2.47%	3.35%	1.38%	3.26%	13.18%	0.86%	2.57%	7.81%	0.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	0.00%	0.00%	0.55%	0.05%	16.79%	24.24%	9.36%	21.39%	5.38%	21.18%	12.71%	7.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSEQX and MEMEX in my portfolio?

MSEQX and MEMEX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSEQX or MEMEX?

MEMEX has higher volatility (8.64%) compared to MSEQX (8.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSEQX dropped -69.48% vs MEMEX's -39.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEMEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 0.35), 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.