DFAX vs. MGK

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

DFAX (Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF) and MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional, while MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. DFAX is actively managed, while MGK is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAX returned 19.83%/yr vs 24.88%/yr for MGK. Their 0.66 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. DFAX charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGK.

Performance

DFAX vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAX achieves a 15.67% return, which is significantly higher than MGK's 9.73% return.

DFAX

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: 1.96%
• 6M: 7.86%
• YTD: 15.67%
• 1Y: 29.57%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 10.13%

MGK

• 1D: 2.46%
• 1M: 3.92%
• 6M: 13.77%
• YTD: 9.73%
• 1Y: 19.65%
• 3Y*: 24.88%
• 5Y*: 13.83%
• 10Y*: 18.70%
• ALL TIME*: 13.63%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	$32.66M	$29.75M	$28.81M
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	$126.58M	$121.72M	$143.33M

DFAX vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	15.67%	35.42%	4.78%	16.66%	-14.48%	-2.10%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	9.73%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	5.94%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAX and MGK is 0.70, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.66

The correlation between DFAX and MGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFAX vs. MGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFAX	MGK
Technology	19.9%	58.7%
Financial Services	18.5%	4.0%
Industrials	17.2%	2.7%
Basic Materials	9.8%	0.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	11.3%
Healthcare	5.9%	4.9%
Energy	5.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	4.2%	16.4%
Utilities	2.8%	1.0%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.2%

Return for Risk

DFAX vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFAX

DFAX Risk / Return Rank: 69
DFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 36
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 36
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFAX vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). 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.

	DFAX	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.08	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.57	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.19	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	1.17	+1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.81	3.64	+6.17

DFAX vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAX and MGK, 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

DFAX vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAX drawdown since its inception was -28.15%, smaller than the maximum MGK drawdown of -48.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAX and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAX	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.15%	-48.43%	+20.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.11%	-16.85%	+5.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-23.36%	+9.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-36.01%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-1.68%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.53%	-7.57%	+1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	5.40%	-2.38%

Volatility

DFAX vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) is 5.46%, while Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a volatility of 6.53%. This indicates that DFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAX	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.46%	6.53%	-1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.77%	14.98%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.59%	18.38%	-1.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	22.98%	-6.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.18%	22.05%	-5.87%

DFAX vs. MGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAX has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than MGK's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAX vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

DFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, more than MGK's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAX Dimensional World ex US Core Equity 2 ETF	2.29%	2.58%	2.98%	3.01%	3.30%	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.32%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAX and MGK in my portfolio?

DFAX and MGK have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAX or MGK?

MGK has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to DFAX (5.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAX dropped -28.15% vs MGK's -48.43%.

Which ETF is better, DFAX or MGK?

On 3-year performance, MGK leads with 24.88% vs 19.83% for DFAX. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, DFAX has been the lower-risk option at 5.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAX or MGK?

Over the 3-year period, MGK has performed better with a 24.88% return vs 19.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAX or MGK?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DFAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFAX or MGK?

DFAX has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 0.32% for MGK.

What is the main difference between DFAX and MGK?

DFAX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while MGK is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DFAX and 0.05% for MGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.08), 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.