MSSM vs. CSHP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSSM (Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF) and CSHP (iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSSM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Morgan Stanley, while CSHP is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by iShares. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSSM returned 35.27% vs 3.94% for CSHP. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. MSSM charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for CSHP.

Performance

MSSM vs. CSHP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) and iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSSM achieves a 18.58% return, which is significantly higher than CSHP's 1.83% return.

MSSM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 2.61%
• YTD: 18.58%
• 6M: 16.62%
• 1Y: 35.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CSHP

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 3.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSSM vs. CSHP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	18.58%	11.33%	-7.04%
CSHP iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF	1.83%	4.10%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between MSSM and CSHP is -0.13, 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	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2024	-0.05

Return for Risk

MSSM vs. CSHP — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSSM

MSSM Risk / Return Rank: 71
MSSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
MSSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
MSSM Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
MSSM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

CSHP

CSHP Risk / Return Rank: 99
CSHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
CSHP Omega Ratio Rank: 99
CSHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
CSHP Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

MSSM vs. CSHP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) and iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP). 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.

	MSSM	CSHP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	11.09	-9.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	27.60	-24.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	6.46	-5.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.73	65.45	-61.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.28	381.67	-367.39

MSSM vs. CSHP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSSM Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is lower than the CSHP Sharpe Ratio of 11.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSSM and CSHP, 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

MSSM vs. CSHP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSSM drawdown since its inception was -25.16%, which is greater than CSHP's maximum drawdown of -0.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSSM and CSHP.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSSM	CSHP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.16%	-0.08%	-25.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.50%	-0.06%	-9.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.37%	-0.04%	-1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.10%	-0.00%	-5.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.48%	0.01%	+2.47%

Volatility

MSSM vs. CSHP - Volatility Comparison

Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) has a higher volatility of 5.93% compared to iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF (CSHP) at 0.16%. This indicates that MSSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CSHP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSSM	CSHP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.93%	0.16%	+5.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.39%	0.27%	+13.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.79%	0.36%	+17.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.99%	0.41%	+20.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.99%	0.41%	+20.58%

MSSM vs. CSHP - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSSM has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than CSHP's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSSM vs. CSHP - Dividend Comparison

MSSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, less than CSHP's 3.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CSHP iShares Enhanced Short-Term Bond Active ETF	3.91%	5.39%	1.96%
MSSM Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF	2.66%	3.15%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSSM and CSHP in my portfolio?

MSSM and CSHP have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSSM or CSHP?

MSSM has higher volatility (5.93%) compared to CSHP (0.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSSM dropped -25.16% vs CSHP's -0.08%.

Which ETF is better, MSSM or CSHP?

On 1-year performance, MSSM leads with 35.27% vs 3.94% for CSHP. On fees, CSHP is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, CSHP has been the lower-risk option at 0.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSSM or CSHP?

Over the 1-year period, MSSM has performed better with a 35.27% return vs 3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSSM or CSHP?

CSHP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for MSSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSSM or CSHP?

CSHP has the higher dividend yield at 3.91%, compared with 2.66% for MSSM.

What is the main difference between MSSM and CSHP?

MSSM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while CSHP is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Morgan Stanley and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for MSSM and 0.20% for CSHP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSHP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.09 vs 1.99), 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.