MGC vs. IDOG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) and IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while IDOG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGC returned 16.33%/yr vs 11.26%/yr for IDOG. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MGC charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IDOG.

Performance

MGC vs. IDOG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGC achieves a 7.43% return, which is significantly lower than IDOG's 10.07% return. Over the past 10 years, MGC has outperformed IDOG with an annualized return of 16.33%, while IDOG has yielded a comparatively lower 11.26% annualized return.

MGC

• 1D: -1.49%
• 1M: -1.89%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 24.48%
• 3Y*: 21.92%
• 5Y*: 13.65%
• 10Y*: 16.33%

IDOG

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -3.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 10.27%
• 1Y: 30.43%
• 3Y*: 20.17%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

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

MGC vs. IDOG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	7.43%	19.31%	27.16%	29.77%	-19.95%	27.58%	21.57%	31.14%	-3.45%	22.61%
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	10.07%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%

Correlation

The correlation between MGC and IDOG is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2013	0.67

The correlation between MGC and IDOG shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MGC vs. IDOG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGC	IDOG
Technology	42.9%	9.1%
Communication Services	12.3%	9.8%
Financial Services	10.9%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	9.6%
Healthcare	8.6%	8.9%
Industrials	6.0%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	9.1%
Energy	2.3%	10.1%
Basic Materials	1.1%	10.2%
Real Estate	0.9%	-
Utilities	0.9%	9.6%

Return for Risk

MGC vs. IDOG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGC

MGC Risk / Return Rank: 57
MGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
MGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
MGC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
MGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
MGC Martin Ratio Rank: 62

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 76
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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. IDOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). 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	IDOG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.20	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.96	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.38	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	4.72	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.77	15.97	-5.20

MGC vs. IDOG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGC Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the IDOG Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGC and IDOG, 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. IDOG - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	MGC	IDOG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.26%	-37.32%	-14.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-6.47%	-3.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-13.92%	-5.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-25.31%	-0.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.07%	-37.32%	+4.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.81%	-4.45%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.17%	-7.90%	+0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	1.91%	+0.37%

Volatility

MGC vs. IDOG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) has a higher volatility of 5.22% compared to ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) at 4.87%. This indicates that MGC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IDOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGC	IDOG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	4.87%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.32%	10.94%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.08%	13.89%	-0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	15.69%	+1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	17.18%	+1.06%

MGC vs. IDOG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MGC vs. IDOG - Dividend Comparison

MGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than IDOG's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	4.47%	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	0.90%	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 IDOG in my portfolio?

MGC and IDOG have a correlation of 0.49, 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 IDOG?

MGC has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to IDOG (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGC dropped -52.26% vs IDOG's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, MGC or IDOG?

On 10-year performance, MGC leads with 16.33% vs 11.26% for IDOG. On fees, MGC is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, IDOG has been the lower-risk option at 4.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGC or IDOG?

Over the 10-year period, MGC has performed better with a 16.33% return vs 11.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGC or IDOG?

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

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

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 0.90% for MGC.

What is the main difference between MGC and IDOG?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.88), 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.