MSEQX vs. SCHG

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

MSEQX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I) and SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MSEQX returned 16.34%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for SCHG. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSEQX charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHG.

Performance

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSEQX achieves a -6.63% return, which is significantly lower than SCHG's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, MSEQX has underperformed SCHG with an annualized return of 16.34%, while SCHG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

MSEQX

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -0.44%
• 6M: -6.99%
• YTD: -6.63%
• 1Y: -4.45%
• 3Y*: 21.40%
• 5Y*: -1.06%
• 10Y*: 16.34%
• ALL TIME*: 11.60%

SCHG

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.84%
• 6M: 5.77%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 1Y: 15.31%
• 3Y*: 21.96%
• 5Y*: 13.32%
• 10Y*: 18.26%
• ALL TIME*: 16.37%

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

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	-6.63%	24.78%	46.65%	50.25%	-60.18%	-0.00%	115.60%	38.25%	5.38%	43.91%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	4.93%	17.50%	34.95%	50.10%	-31.80%	28.11%	39.14%	36.02%	-1.36%	28.05%

Correlation

The correlation between MSEQX and SCHG is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2009	0.82

The correlation between MSEQX and SCHG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSEQX vs. SCHG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSEQX

MSEQX Risk / Return Rank: 3
MSEQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
MSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
MSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

SCHG

SCHG Risk / Return Rank: 30
SCHG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SCHG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
SCHG Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SCHG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
SCHG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. SCHG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). 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.

	MSEQX	SCHG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.13	0.94	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.02	1.35	-1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.17	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.14	0.94	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.27	3.00	-3.27

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSEQX Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the SCHG Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSEQX and SCHG, 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

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSEQX drawdown since its inception was -69.48%, which is greater than SCHG's maximum drawdown of -34.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSEQX and SCHG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSEQX	SCHG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.48%	-34.59%	-34.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.73%	-16.41%	-11.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.52%	-23.39%	-9.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.48%	-34.59%	-34.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.48%	-34.59%	-34.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.44%	-3.16%	-15.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.90%	-5.19%	-11.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.94%	5.12%	+8.82%

Volatility

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) at 4.47%. This indicates that MSEQX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSEQX	SCHG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.29%	4.47%	+2.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.64%	12.82%	+9.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.23%	16.43%	+12.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.88%	22.40%	+17.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.88%	21.57%	+12.31%

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSEQX has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSEQX vs. SCHG - Dividend Comparison

MSEQX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SCHG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	0.00%	0.00%	0.55%	0.00%	16.79%	24.24%	9.36%	21.39%	5.38%	21.18%	12.71%	7.55%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.39%	0.36%	0.39%	0.46%	0.55%	0.42%	0.52%	0.82%	1.27%	1.01%	1.04%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSEQX and SCHG in my portfolio?

MSEQX and SCHG have a correlation of 0.76, 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 SCHG?

MSEQX has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to SCHG (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSEQX dropped -69.48% vs SCHG's -34.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs -0.13), 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.