MSLC vs. EQL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MSLC (Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF) and EQL (ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. MSLC is actively managed, while EQL is passively managed. Over the past year, MSLC returned 19.80% vs 19.50% for EQL. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MSLC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for EQL.

Performance

MSLC vs. EQL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSLC achieves a 10.46% return, which is significantly lower than EQL's 11.79% return.

MSLC

• 1D: 1.66%
• 1M: 2.02%
• 6M: 8.56%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 1Y: 19.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.71%

EQL

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 1.30%
• 6M: 7.57%
• YTD: 11.79%
• 1Y: 19.50%
• 3Y*: 15.68%
• 5Y*: 10.87%
• 10Y*: 12.40%
• ALL TIME*: 13.54%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	$3.24M	$2.89M	$2.73M
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	$3.52M	$3.51M	$4.69M

MSLC vs. EQL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	10.46%	15.68%	-3.29%
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	11.79%	13.09%	-4.57%

Correlation

The correlation between MSLC and EQL is 0.77, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2024	0.82

The correlation between MSLC and EQL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSLC vs. EQL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MSLC

MSLC Risk / Return Rank: 61
MSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
MSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
MSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

EQL

EQL Risk / Return Rank: 85
EQL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
EQL Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
EQL Omega Ratio Rank: 85
EQL Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
EQL Martin Ratio Rank: 85

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MSLC vs. EQL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL). 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.

	MSLC	EQL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.07	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.89	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.38	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	3.16	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.94	12.39	-3.44

MSLC vs. EQL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the EQL Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSLC and EQL, 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

MSLC vs. EQL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSLC drawdown since its inception was -17.86%, smaller than the maximum EQL drawdown of -35.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSLC and EQL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSLC	EQL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.86%	-35.65%	+17.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.31%	-6.19%	-3.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.07%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.24%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.36%	-3.23%	+0.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	1.58%	+0.64%

Volatility

MSLC vs. EQL - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) has a higher volatility of 3.73% compared to ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) at 2.29%. This indicates that MSLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EQL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSLC	EQL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	2.29%	+1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	7.09%	+2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.54%	9.47%	+3.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.84%	14.52%	+2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	16.49%	+0.35%

MSLC vs. EQL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSLC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than EQL's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSLC vs. EQL - Dividend Comparison

MSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, more than EQL's 1.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQL ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF	1.34%	1.73%	1.78%	1.96%	2.14%	1.69%	2.29%	1.95%	2.39%	1.97%	2.89%	2.07%
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	1.94%	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSLC and EQL in my portfolio?

MSLC and EQL have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSLC or EQL?

MSLC has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to EQL (2.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSLC dropped -17.86% vs EQL's -35.65%.

Which ETF is better, MSLC or EQL?

On 1-year performance, MSLC leads with 19.80% vs 19.50% for EQL. On fees, EQL is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, EQL has been the lower-risk option at 2.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSLC or EQL?

Over the 1-year period, MSLC has performed better with a 19.80% return vs 19.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSLC or EQL?

EQL is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MSLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSLC or EQL?

MSLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.94%, compared with 1.34% for EQL.

What is the main difference between MSLC and EQL?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MSLC and 0.27% for EQL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EQL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.59), 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.