MSEQX vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

MSEQX (Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both funds - MSEQX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, MSEQX returned 17.08%/yr vs 15.35%/yr for VOO. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSEQX charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

MSEQX vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSEQX achieves a -6.51% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 9.25% return. Over the past 10 years, MSEQX has outperformed VOO with an annualized return of 17.08%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively lower 15.35% annualized return.

MSEQX

• 1D: 2.09%
• 1M: -6.18%
• YTD: -6.51%
• 6M: -8.24%
• 1Y: -0.53%
• 3Y*: 25.45%
• 5Y*: -1.80%
• 10Y*: 17.08%

VOO

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 9.25%
• 6M: 8.31%
• 1Y: 21.91%
• 3Y*: 20.26%
• 5Y*: 13.19%
• 10Y*: 15.35%

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

MSEQX vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSEQX Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I	-6.51%	24.78%	46.65%	50.25%	-60.18%	-0.00%	115.60%	38.25%	5.38%	43.91%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.25%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between MSEQX and VOO is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.73

The correlation between MSEQX and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSEQX vs. VOO — 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: 3
MSEQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
MSEQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
MSEQX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 63
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	MSEQX	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.77	-1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.17	2.43	-2.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.32	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	2.47	-2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.06	10.85	-10.91

MSEQX vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSEQX Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSEQX and VOO, 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. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSEQX drawdown since its inception was -69.48%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSEQX and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSEQX	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.48%	-33.99%	-35.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.73%	-8.90%	-18.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.52%	-18.69%	-13.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.48%	-24.52%	-44.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.48%	-33.99%	-35.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.33%	-2.19%	-16.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.90%	-3.68%	-13.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.57%	2.02%	+11.55%

Volatility

MSEQX vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Growth Portfolio Class I (MSEQX) has a higher volatility of 10.52% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 5.02%. This indicates that MSEQX'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.

Volatility by Period

	MSEQX	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.52%	5.02%	+5.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.33%	9.90%	+12.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.19%	12.49%	+16.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.85%	16.92%	+22.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.84%	18.00%	+15.84%

MSEQX vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSEQX has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSEQX vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

MSEQX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%.

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%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.33%	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

Can I hold both MSEQX and VOO in my portfolio?

MSEQX and VOO have a correlation of 0.66, 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 VOO?

MSEQX has higher volatility (10.52%) compared to VOO (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSEQX dropped -69.48% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs -0.03), 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.