MGC vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGC returned 16.33%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for VUG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MGC charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

MGC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 higher than VUG's 3.52% return. Over the past 10 years, MGC has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 16.33%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.02% 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%

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

MGC vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MGC and VUG is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.95

The correlation between MGC and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGC vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGC	VUG
Technology	42.9%	53.5%
Communication Services	12.3%	17.3%
Financial Services	10.9%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	12.2%
Healthcare	8.6%	4.6%
Industrials	6.0%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	1.5%
Energy	2.3%	0.4%
Basic Materials	1.1%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.0%
Utilities	0.9%	0.9%

Return for Risk

MGC vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.19	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	1.67	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.21	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	1.22	+1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.77	4.15	+6.62

MGC vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGC Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGC and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGC drawdown since its inception was -52.26%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.26%	-50.68%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.85%	-16.53%	+6.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-22.85%	+3.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-35.61%	+9.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.07%	-35.61%	+2.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.81%	-6.88%	+3.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.17%	-7.09%	-0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	4.84%	-2.56%

Volatility

MGC vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) is 5.22%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that MGC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	6.86%	-1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.32%	13.44%	-3.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.08%	16.91%	-3.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	22.39%	-5.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.24%	21.51%	-3.27%

MGC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGC has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG'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. VUG - Dividend Comparison

MGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGC and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MGC and VUG 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to MGC (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGC dropped -52.26% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, MGC or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.02% vs 16.33% for MGC. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, MGC has been the lower-risk option at 5.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGC or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.02% return vs 16.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGC or VUG?

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

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

MGC has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between MGC and VUG?

MGC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. MGC tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGC and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.19), 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.