MSHMX vs. MACGX

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

MSHMX (Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio) and MACGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A) are both mutual funds - MSHMX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley, while MACGX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Morgan Stanley. Over the past 5 years, MSHMX returned 8.39%/yr vs -5.96%/yr for MACGX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSHMX charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for MACGX.

Performance

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio (MSHMX) 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

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MSHMX having a 3.76% return and MACGX slightly higher at 3.86%.

MSHMX

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -1.67%
• 6M: 3.76%
• YTD: 3.76%
• 1Y: 2.03%
• 3Y*: 13.13%
• 5Y*: 8.39%
• 10Y*: —

MACGX

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -2.60%
• 6M: 3.86%
• YTD: 3.86%
• 1Y: -2.21%
• 3Y*: 23.67%
• 5Y*: -5.96%
• 10Y*: 14.32%

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

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MSHMX Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio	3.76%	18.36%	13.91%	26.50%	-20.53%	16.75%	55.45%
MACGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A	3.86%	13.71%	42.06%	46.30%	-63.51%	-12.84%	152.75%

Correlation

The correlation between MSHMX and MACGX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2020	0.78

The correlation between MSHMX and MACGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSHMX vs. MACGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSHMX

MSHMX Risk / Return Rank: 5
MSHMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
MSHMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
MSHMX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
MSHMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
MSHMX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

MACGX

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

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.

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio (MSHMX) 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.

	MSHMX	MACGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.17	-0.00	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.36	0.20	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.02	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	-0.00	+0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.76	-0.01	+0.77

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSHMX Sharpe Ratio is 0.17, which is higher than the MACGX Sharpe Ratio of -0.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSHMX 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

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSHMX drawdown since its inception was -30.20%, smaller than the maximum MACGX drawdown of -77.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSHMX and MACGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSHMX	MACGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.20%	-77.61%	+47.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.64%	-27.55%	+16.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.26%	-28.55%	+11.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.20%	-77.61%	+47.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-77.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.57%	-42.26%	+38.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.80%	-25.69%	+18.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.01%	13.40%	-9.39%

Volatility

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio (MSHMX) is 6.35%, while Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Trust Discovery Portfolio Class A (MACGX) has a volatility of 9.55%. This indicates that MSHMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MACGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSHMX	MACGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	9.55%	-3.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.79%	22.02%	-7.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.28%	28.85%	-10.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.92%	48.41%	-28.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.97%	39.43%	-19.46%

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSHMX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than MACGX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSHMX vs. MACGX - Dividend Comparison

MSHMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.72%, while MACGX has not 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%
MSHMX Morgan Stanley Permanence Portfolio	15.72%	16.31%	14.39%	10.11%	2.76%	18.17%	5.88%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSHMX and MACGX in my portfolio?

MSHMX and MACGX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSHMX or MACGX?

MACGX has higher volatility (9.55%) compared to MSHMX (6.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSHMX dropped -30.20% vs MACGX's -77.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSHMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.17 vs -0.00), 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.