MGC vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard - MGC tracks the CRSP US Mega Cap Index while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGC returned 16.36%/yr vs 15.05%/yr for VTI. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MGC charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

MGC vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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 VTI slightly higher at 11.20%. Over the past 10 years, MGC has outperformed VTI with an annualized return of 16.36%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively lower 15.05% annualized return.

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%

VTI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

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

MGC vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	10.80%	19.31%	27.16%	29.77%	-19.95%	27.58%	21.57%	31.14%	-3.45%	22.61%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.20%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MGC and VTI 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	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2007	0.98

The correlation between MGC and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGC vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGC	VTI
Technology	39.3%	33.5%
Communication Services	13.1%	10.3%
Financial Services	11.7%	12.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.0%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.2%
Industrials	6.5%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.7%
Energy	2.6%	3.7%
Basic Materials	1.2%	2.0%
Utilities	1.0%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.0%	2.4%

Return for Risk

MGC vs. VTI — 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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.33	+0.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.30	3.18	+0.11
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.42	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	3.17	-0.15
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.61	14.62	-1.01
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. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGC Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGC and VTI, 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42	2.33	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.73	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90	0.82	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.51	+0.09

Drawdowns

MGC vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGC drawdown since its inception was -51.93%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGC and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGC	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.93%	-55.45%	+3.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-8.92%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-19.30%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-25.36%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.07%	-35.00%	+1.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-0.72%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-8.03%	+0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	1.93%	+0.26%

Volatility

MGC vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 3.04% and 2.96%, 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

	MGC	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.04%	2.96%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	9.13%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	12.17%	+0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	17.40%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	18.30%	-0.09%

MGC vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGC has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% 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

MGC vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

MGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGC and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MGC and VTI 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 VTI?

MGC has higher volatility (3.04%) compared to VTI (2.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGC dropped -51.93% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, MGC or VTI?

On 10-year performance, MGC leads with 16.36% vs 15.05% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% 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 VTI?

Over the 10-year period, MGC has performed better with a 16.36% return vs 15.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGC or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for MGC.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.87% for MGC.

What is the main difference between MGC and VTI?

MGC tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGC and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.33), 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.