MSSGX vs. ^GSPC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

MSSGX (Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Inception Portfolio) is Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by T. Rowe Price, while ^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index. Over the past 10 years, MSSGX returned 15.63%/yr vs 13.70%/yr for ^GSPC. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Inception Portfolio (MSSGX) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSSGX achieves a 3.00% return, which is significantly lower than ^GSPC's 7.49% return. Over the past 10 years, MSSGX has outperformed ^GSPC with an annualized return of 15.63%, while ^GSPC has yielded a comparatively lower 13.70% annualized return.

MSSGX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 3.00%
• 6M: -2.02%
• 1Y: 2.17%
• 3Y*: 15.36%
• 5Y*: -9.73%
• 10Y*: 15.63%

^GSPC

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 6.15%
• 1Y: 20.78%
• 3Y*: 19.17%
• 5Y*: 11.44%
• 10Y*: 13.70%

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

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSSGX Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Inception Portfolio	3.00%	1.07%	29.65%	54.44%	-59.42%	-3.74%	150.29%	66.18%	0.26%	22.58%
^GSPC S&P 500 Index	7.49%	16.39%	23.31%	24.23%	-19.44%	26.89%	16.26%	28.88%	-6.24%	19.42%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSGX and ^GSPC is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 1989	0.72

The correlation between MSSGX and ^GSPC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSGX

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

^GSPC

^GSPC Risk / Return Rank: 60
^GSPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
^GSPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
^GSPC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
^GSPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
^GSPC Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Inception Portfolio (MSSGX) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). 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.

	MSSGX	^GSPC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.12	1.67	-1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	2.29	-1.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.30	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.11	2.29	-2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.23	10.15	-9.92

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.12, which is lower than the ^GSPC Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSGX and ^GSPC, 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

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSGX drawdown since its inception was -76.01%, which is greater than ^GSPC's maximum drawdown of -56.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSGX and ^GSPC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSGX	^GSPC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.01%	-56.78%	-19.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-32.84%	-9.10%	-23.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.84%	-18.90%	-13.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-73.07%	-25.43%	-47.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-76.01%	-33.92%	-42.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.64%	-3.31%	-44.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.22%	-10.71%	-11.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.77%	2.05%	+13.72%

Volatility

MSSGX vs. ^GSPC - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. Inception Portfolio (MSSGX) has a higher volatility of 10.12% compared to S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) at 4.87%. This indicates that MSSGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ^GSPC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSSGX	^GSPC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.12%	4.87%	+5.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.15%	9.90%	+13.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.68%	12.54%	+18.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.00%	17.00%	+21.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.79%	18.08%	+15.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSGX and ^GSPC in my portfolio?

MSSGX and ^GSPC have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSSGX or ^GSPC?

MSSGX has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to ^GSPC (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSGX dropped -76.01% vs ^GSPC's -56.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

^GSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.12), 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.