MSLC vs VOO
MSLC vs VOO
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. MSLC offers more diversification with 923 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSLC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,006 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.32% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.47% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Morgan Stanley | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MSLC vs VOO Performance
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSLC returned +20.47% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MSLC is up 12.32% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.5% for MSLC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -17.9% for MSLC and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSLC charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSLC currently yields 2.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MSLC and VOO share 465 holdings out of 963 unique holdings combined, representing a 75.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MSLC | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.11% | 7.51% | 0.40% |
| AAPL | 4.76% | 6.59% | 1.83% |
| MSFT | 4.87% | 4.30% | 0.57% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MSLC shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MSLC or VOO?
MSLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSLC or VOO?
Over the past year MSLC returned +20.47% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSLC annualized +14.90% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSLC or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.5% for MSLC. Worst drawdown: MSLC -17.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MSLC and VOO?
MSLC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MSLC and VOO?
MSLC and VOO share 465 common holdings with a 75.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSLC or VOO?
MSLC yields 2.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MSLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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