VWO vs. MS

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) is Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index, while MS (Morgan Stanley) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VWO returned 7.65%/yr vs 25.48%/yr for MS. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

VWO vs. MS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Morgan Stanley (MS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWO achieves a 7.88% return, which is significantly lower than MS's 20.12% return. Over the past 10 years, VWO has underperformed MS with an annualized return of 7.65%, while MS has yielded a comparatively higher 25.48% annualized return.

VWO

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -4.67%
• 6M: 3.57%
• YTD: 7.88%
• 1Y: 17.74%
• 3Y*: 15.34%
• 5Y*: 5.14%
• 10Y*: 7.65%
• ALL TIME*: 6.75%

MS

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -5.48%
• 6M: 12.77%
• YTD: 20.12%
• 1Y: 53.40%
• 3Y*: 35.16%
• 5Y*: 20.96%
• 10Y*: 25.48%
• ALL TIME*: 13.01%

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

VWO vs. MS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	7.88%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%
MS Morgan Stanley	20.12%	45.16%	39.73%	13.93%	-10.34%	46.65%	38.09%	32.67%	-22.76%	26.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VWO and MS is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2005	0.53

The correlation between VWO and MS shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (3 years) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VWO vs. MS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 39
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 44

MS

MS Risk / Return Rank: 88
MS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
MS Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
MS Omega Ratio Rank: 88
MS Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VWO vs. MS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and Morgan Stanley (MS). 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.

	VWO	MS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.98	-0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.55	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.34	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	2.85	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.36	9.21	-3.84

VWO vs. MS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is lower than the MS Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWO and MS, 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

VWO vs. MS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWO drawdown since its inception was -67.68%, smaller than the maximum MS drawdown of -88.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWO and MS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWO	MS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.68%	-88.12%	+20.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-18.83%	+7.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-29.24%	+11.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.88%	-32.38%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.39%	-51.33%	+14.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.40%	-7.71%	+2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.75%	-33.60%	+17.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.31%	5.82%	-2.51%

Volatility

VWO vs. MS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is 5.81%, while Morgan Stanley (MS) has a volatility of 9.63%. This indicates that VWO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWO	MS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	9.63%	-3.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.93%	22.21%	-7.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	27.22%	-9.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.60%	28.76%	-11.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	31.32%	-12.18%

Dividends

VWO vs. MS - Dividend Comparison

VWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, more than MS's 1.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MS Morgan Stanley	1.90%	2.17%	2.82%	3.49%	3.47%	2.14%	2.04%	2.54%	2.77%	1.72%	1.66%	1.73%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.39%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWO and MS in my portfolio?

VWO and MS have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWO or MS?

MS has higher volatility (9.63%) compared to VWO (5.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWO dropped -67.68% vs MS's -88.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.03), 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.