MSLC vs. IBIC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSLC (Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF) and IBIC (iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Morgan Stanley, while IBIC is a Inflation-Protected Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2026 Maturity US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. MSLC is actively managed, while IBIC is passively managed. Over the past year, MSLC returned 22.69% vs 4.54% for IBIC. At a correlation of -0.24, they often move in opposite directions. MSLC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for IBIC.

Performance

MSLC vs. IBIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). 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 higher than IBIC's 2.37% return.

MSLC

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

IBIC

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 2.37%
• 6M: 2.51%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSLC vs. IBIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	8.55%	15.68%	-3.29%
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	2.37%	4.96%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between MSLC and IBIC is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	-0.24

Return for Risk

MSLC vs. IBIC — 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

IBIC

IBIC Risk / Return Rank: 98
IBIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
IBIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
IBIC Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. IBIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) and iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC). 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	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	5.05	-3.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	9.12	-6.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	2.24	-0.89
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	17.27	-14.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.76	67.45	-56.69
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. IBIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is lower than the IBIC Sharpe Ratio of 5.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSLC and IBIC, 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	IBIC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	5.05	-3.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	3.49	-2.66

Drawdowns

MSLC vs. IBIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSLC drawdown since its inception was -17.86%, which is greater than IBIC's maximum drawdown of -0.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSLC and IBIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSLC	IBIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.86%	-0.90%	-16.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.31%	-0.26%	-9.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-0.13%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-0.10%	-2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	0.07%	+2.04%

Volatility

MSLC vs. IBIC - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) has a higher volatility of 2.87% compared to iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF (IBIC) at 0.33%. This indicates that MSLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSLC	IBIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	0.33%	+2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.86%	0.67%	+8.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.77%	0.90%	+10.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.11%	1.58%	+15.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.11%	1.58%	+15.53%

MSLC vs. IBIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSLC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIC's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSLC vs. IBIC - Dividend Comparison

MSLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, less than IBIC's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBIC iShares iBonds Oct 2026 Term TIPS ETF	3.59%	4.43%	4.65%	0.83%
MSLC Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF	1.98%	2.15%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSLC and IBIC in my portfolio?

MSLC and IBIC have a correlation of -0.22, 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 IBIC?

MSLC has higher volatility (2.87%) compared to IBIC (0.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSLC dropped -17.86% vs IBIC's -0.90%.

Which ETF is better, MSLC or IBIC?

On 1-year performance, MSLC leads with 22.69% vs 4.54% for IBIC. On fees, IBIC is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, IBIC has been the lower-risk option at 0.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSLC or IBIC?

Over the 1-year period, MSLC has performed better with a 22.69% return vs 4.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSLC or IBIC?

IBIC is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MSLC.

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

IBIC has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 1.98% for MSLC.

What is the main difference between MSLC and IBIC?

MSLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while IBIC is Inflation-Protected Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MSLC and 0.10% for IBIC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.05 vs 1.94), 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.