MGC vs. IBIT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MGC returned 25.09% vs -40.63% for IBIT. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MGC charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

MGC vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGC achieves a 8.42% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -27.41% return.

MGC

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: -0.61%
• YTD: 8.42%
• 6M: 9.06%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 22.21%
• 5Y*: 14.07%
• 10Y*: 16.23%

IBIT

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -20.12%
• YTD: -27.41%
• 6M: -29.61%
• 1Y: -40.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MGC vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	8.42%	19.31%	26.59%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-27.41%	-6.41%	89.87%

Correlation

The correlation between MGC and IBIT is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.40

Return for Risk

MGC vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGC

MGC Risk / Return Rank: 67
MGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
MGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
MGC Omega Ratio Rank: 69
MGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
MGC Martin Ratio Rank: 70

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 3
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
IBIT Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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.

	MGC	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	-0.92	+2.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	-1.30	+3.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.85	+0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	-0.78	+3.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.18	-1.37	+12.55

MGC vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGC Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGC and IBIT, 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

MGC vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGC drawdown since its inception was -52.26%, roughly equal to the maximum IBIT drawdown of -52.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGC and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGC	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.26%	-52.11%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-52.11%	+42.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-49.45%	+46.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-16.53%	+9.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.25%	29.64%	-27.39%

Volatility

MGC vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) is 4.62%, while iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has a volatility of 12.07%. This indicates that MGC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGC	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	12.07%	-7.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	34.45%	-24.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.84%	44.10%	-31.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	50.26%	-32.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	50.26%	-32.02%

MGC vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGC has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IBIT's 0.25% 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. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

MGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	0.89%	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 IBIT in my portfolio?

MGC and IBIT have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGC or IBIT?

IBIT has higher volatility (12.07%) compared to MGC (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGC dropped -52.26% vs IBIT's -52.11%.

Which ETF is better, MGC or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, MGC leads with 25.09% vs -40.63% for IBIT. On fees, MGC is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, MGC has been the lower-risk option at 4.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGC or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, MGC has performed better with a 25.09% return vs -40.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGC or IBIT?

MGC is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IBIT.

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

MGC has the higher dividend yield at 0.89%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between MGC and IBIT?

MGC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. MGC tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGC and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs -0.92), 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.