MGC vs. DFAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) and DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. MGC is passively managed, while DFAU is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MGC returned 14.70%/yr vs 13.05%/yr for DFAU. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MGC charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DFAU.

Performance

MGC vs. DFAU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MGC having a 10.80% return and DFAU slightly higher at 11.32%.

MGC

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 5.59%
• YTD: 10.80%
• 6M: 10.75%
• 1Y: 29.68%
• 3Y*: 23.87%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: 16.36%

DFAU

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 11.27%
• 1Y: 28.49%
• 3Y*: 21.70%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

MGC vs. DFAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	10.80%	19.31%	27.16%	29.77%	-19.95%	27.58%	5.84%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	11.32%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-16.99%	26.89%	6.48%

Correlation

The correlation between MGC and DFAU is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2020	0.97

The correlation between MGC and DFAU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGC vs. DFAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGC	DFAU
Technology	39.3%	32.7%
Communication Services	13.1%	10.4%
Financial Services	11.7%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.8%
Healthcare	8.9%	8.5%
Industrials	6.5%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.8%
Energy	2.6%	4.6%
Basic Materials	1.2%	2.4%
Utilities	1.0%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.2%

Return for Risk

MGC vs. DFAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGC

MGC Risk / Return Rank: 69
MGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
MGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MGC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
MGC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 71
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

MGC vs. DFAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). 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.

	MGC	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.38	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.30	3.24	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.43	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.30	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.61	15.10	-1.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MGC vs. DFAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGC Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the DFAU Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGC and DFAU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MGC	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42	2.38	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.77	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.94	-0.34

Drawdowns

MGC vs. DFAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGC drawdown since its inception was -51.93%, which is greater than DFAU's maximum drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGC and DFAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGC	DFAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.93%	-23.61%	-28.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-8.67%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-19.36%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-23.61%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.67%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-4.99%	-2.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	1.89%	+0.30%

Volatility

MGC vs. DFAU - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) have volatilities of 3.04% and 2.95%, 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

	MGC	DFAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.04%	2.95%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	9.04%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	12.06%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	17.02%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	16.73%	+1.48%

MGC vs. DFAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGC has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAU's 0.12% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MGC vs. DFAU - Dividend Comparison

MGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than DFAU's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.90%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	0.87%	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 MGC and DFAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MGC and DFAU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MGC or DFAU?

MGC has higher volatility (3.04%) compared to DFAU (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGC dropped -51.93% vs DFAU's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, MGC or DFAU?

On 5-year performance, MGC leads with 14.70% vs 13.05% for DFAU. On fees, MGC is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGC or DFAU?

Over the 5-year period, MGC has performed better with a 14.70% return vs 13.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGC or DFAU?

MGC is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for DFAU.

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

DFAU has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.87% for MGC.

What is the main difference between MGC and DFAU?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGC and 0.12% for DFAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.38), 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.