IWN vs. MGK

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IWN (iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF) and MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IWN is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Value Index, while MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWN returned 10.58%/yr vs 18.85%/yr for MGK. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWN charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGK.

Performance

IWN vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) 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, IWN achieves a 20.82% return, which is significantly higher than MGK's 5.33% return. Over the past 10 years, IWN has underperformed MGK with an annualized return of 10.58%, while MGK has yielded a comparatively higher 18.85% annualized return.

IWN

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 6.00%
• YTD: 20.82%
• 6M: 17.48%
• 1Y: 44.79%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: 10.58%

MGK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.21%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 24.17%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

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

IWN vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	20.82%	12.40%	7.63%	14.56%	-14.77%	27.96%	4.66%	22.01%	-13.01%	7.69%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	5.33%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%

Correlation

The correlation between IWN and MGK is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.70

The correlation between IWN and MGK shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (3 years) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWN vs. MGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWN	MGK
Financial Services	23.9%	4.5%
Industrials	12.1%	1.1%
Technology	11.6%	56.1%
Real Estate	10.2%	1.3%
Healthcare	10.1%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	12.8%
Energy	7.9%	-
Basic Materials	5.4%	0.7%
Utilities	5.1%	1.2%
Communication Services	2.7%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	0.4%

Return for Risk

IWN vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWN

IWN Risk / Return Rank: 85
IWN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
IWN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
IWN Omega Ratio Rank: 78
IWN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IWN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 39
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

IWN vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) 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.

	IWN	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	1.37	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	1.89	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.24	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.02	1.37	+3.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.91	4.65	+12.26

IWN vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWN Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is higher than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWN 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

IWN vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWN drawdown since its inception was -61.55%, which is greater than MGK's maximum drawdown of -48.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWN and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWN	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.55%	-48.43%	-13.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-16.85%	+8.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.70%	-23.36%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.70%	-36.01%	+9.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.08%	-36.01%	-10.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.63%	+5.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.15%	-7.58%	-2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	4.97%	-2.46%

Volatility

IWN vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) have volatilities of 5.80% and 5.96%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IWN	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.80%	5.96%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.25%	13.29%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.09%	16.87%	+1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.47%	22.72%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.41%	21.93%	+1.48%

IWN vs. MGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWN has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than MGK's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWN vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

IWN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than MGK's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWN iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF	1.42%	1.70%	1.80%	2.04%	2.12%	1.48%	1.60%	1.92%	1.99%	1.78%	1.74%	2.15%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.33%	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 IWN and MGK in my portfolio?

IWN and MGK have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWN or MGK?

MGK has higher volatility (5.96%) compared to IWN (5.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWN dropped -61.55% vs MGK's -48.43%.

Which ETF is better, IWN or MGK?

On 10-year performance, MGK leads with 18.85% vs 10.58% for IWN. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IWN has been the lower-risk option at 5.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWN or MGK?

Over the 10-year period, MGK has performed better with a 18.85% return vs 10.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWN or MGK?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for IWN.

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

IWN has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.33% for MGK.

What is the main difference between IWN and MGK?

IWN is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while MGK is Large Cap Growth Equities. IWN tracks Russell 2000 Value Index, while MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for IWN and 0.05% for MGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.37), 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.