MSLC vs. FTAG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSLC (Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. MSLC is actively managed, while FTAG is passively managed. Over the past year, MSLC returned 22.69% vs 14.00% for FTAG. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSLC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTAG.

Performance

MSLC vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSLC achieves a 8.55% return, which is significantly lower than FTAG's 10.75% return.

MSLC

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 4.08%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 8.69%
• 1Y: 22.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTAG

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -2.29%
• YTD: 10.75%
• 6M: 12.16%
• 1Y: 14.00%
• 3Y*: 5.07%
• 5Y*: 0.66%
• 10Y*: 5.24%

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

MSLC vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	8.55%	15.68%	-3.29%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	10.75%	14.82%	-5.22%

Correlation

The correlation between MSLC and FTAG is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.48

Return for Risk

MSLC vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSLC

MSLC Risk / Return Rank: 57
MSLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
MSLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MSLC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
MSLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
MSLC Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 28
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

MSLC vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). 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.

	MSLC	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.01	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	1.52	+1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.18	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	1.52	+0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.76	3.75	+7.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSLC vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSLC and FTAG, 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

	MSLC	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.01	+0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	-0.33	+1.16

Drawdowns

MSLC vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSLC drawdown since its inception was -17.86%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSLC and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSLC	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.86%	-90.89%	+73.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.31%	-9.25%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-78.58%	+77.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-71.24%	+68.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	3.74%	-1.63%

Volatility

MSLC vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) is 2.87%, while First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) has a volatility of 3.47%. This indicates that MSLC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSLC	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	3.47%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.86%	10.53%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.77%	13.93%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.11%	17.38%	-0.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.11%	19.66%	-2.55%

MSLC vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSLC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FTAG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSLC vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

MSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, more than FTAG's 1.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.37%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	1.98%	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 FTAG in my portfolio?

MSLC and FTAG have a correlation of 0.40, 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 FTAG?

FTAG has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to MSLC (2.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSLC dropped -17.86% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, MSLC or FTAG?

On 1-year performance, MSLC leads with 22.69% vs 14.00% for FTAG. On fees, MSLC is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, MSLC has been the lower-risk option at 2.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSLC or FTAG?

Over the 1-year period, MSLC has performed better with a 22.69% return vs 14.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSLC or FTAG?

MSLC is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

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

MSLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.98%, compared with 1.37% for FTAG.

What is the main difference between MSLC and FTAG?

They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MSLC and 0.70% for FTAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.01), 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.