IDOG vs. MGC

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDOG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while MGC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDOG returned 10.97%/yr vs 15.85%/yr for MGC. Their 0.67 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. IDOG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGC.

Performance

IDOG vs. MGC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) and Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDOG achieves a 16.35% return, which is significantly higher than MGC's 9.30% return. Over the past 10 years, IDOG has underperformed MGC with an annualized return of 10.97%, while MGC has yielded a comparatively higher 15.85% annualized return.

IDOG

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 5.35%
• 6M: 11.47%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 1Y: 34.60%
• 3Y*: 20.44%
• 5Y*: 14.35%
• 10Y*: 10.97%
• ALL TIME*: 8.89%

MGC

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 0.11%
• 6M: 8.25%
• YTD: 9.30%
• 1Y: 21.88%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 13.29%
• 10Y*: 15.85%
• ALL TIME*: 11.46%

*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)
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	$1.60M	$1.44M	$1.23M
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	$22.94M	$23.96M	$28.99M

IDOG vs. MGC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	16.35%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	9.30%	19.31%	27.16%	29.77%	-19.95%	27.58%	21.57%	31.14%	-3.45%	22.61%

Correlation

The correlation between IDOG and MGC is 0.46, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2013	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between IDOG and MGC has dropped to 0.46 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IDOG vs. MGC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDOG	MGC
Industrials	12.3%	6.7%
Financial Services	10.6%	11.3%
Healthcare	10.4%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	10.3%	4.4%
Utilities	10.2%	0.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	9.2%
Basic Materials	9.8%	1.1%
Communication Services	9.5%	11.5%
Energy	9.2%	2.2%
Technology	7.7%	42.8%
Real Estate	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

IDOG vs. MGC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 93
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 92
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 93

MGC

MGC Risk / Return Rank: 62
MGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
MGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
MGC Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
MGC Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

IDOG vs. MGC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) and Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC). 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.

	IDOG	MGC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	1.47	+1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	2.05	+1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.26	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.43	2.02	+3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.84	8.15	+8.69

IDOG vs. MGC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the MGC Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDOG and MGC, 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

IDOG vs. MGC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDOG drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, smaller than the maximum MGC drawdown of -52.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDOG and MGC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDOG	MGC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-52.26%	+14.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-9.85%	+3.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-19.28%	+5.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.31%	-25.74%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-33.07%	-4.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-2.14%	+1.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.86%	-7.14%	-0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.08%	2.44%	-0.36%

Volatility

IDOG vs. MGC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) is 2.95%, while Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) has a volatility of 4.05%. This indicates that IDOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDOG	MGC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.95%	4.05%	-1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.82%	10.74%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.39%	13.57%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	17.43%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	18.25%	-1.16%

IDOG vs. MGC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDOG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than MGC's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDOG vs. MGC - Dividend Comparison

IDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.23%, more than MGC's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	4.23%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	0.92%	0.93%	1.15%	1.35%	1.65%	1.17%	1.45%	1.81%	2.10%	1.83%	2.14%	2.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDOG and MGC in my portfolio?

IDOG and MGC have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDOG or MGC?

MGC has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to IDOG (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDOG dropped -37.32% vs MGC's -52.26%.

Which ETF is better, IDOG or MGC?

On 10-year performance, MGC leads with 15.85% vs 10.97% for IDOG. On fees, MGC is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IDOG has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDOG or MGC?

Over the 10-year period, MGC has performed better with a 15.85% return vs 10.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDOG or MGC?

MGC is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IDOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDOG or MGC?

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 4.23%, compared with 0.92% for MGC.

What is the main difference between IDOG and MGC?

IDOG is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while MGC is Large Cap Blend Equities. IDOG tracks S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while MGC tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IDOG and 0.05% for MGC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.47), 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.