MGK vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 18.85%/yr vs 19.76%/yr for GRID. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

MGK vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 5.33% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.59% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MGK having a 18.85% annualized return and GRID not far ahead at 19.76%.

MGK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.21%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 24.17%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

GRID

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -4.22%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 24.02%
• 1Y: 43.17%
• 3Y*: 23.21%
• 5Y*: 16.83%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

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

MGK vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	5.33%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.59%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and GRID is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.66

The correlation between MGK and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGK vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	GRID
Technology	56.1%	12.6%
Communication Services	17.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	2.4%
Healthcare	4.5%	-
Financial Services	4.5%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.2%	3.9%
Industrials	1.1%	24.4%
Basic Materials	0.7%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	-
Energy	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 39
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 73
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

MGK vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). 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.

	MGK	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.02	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	2.70	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.35	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	3.57	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.65	12.89	-8.24

MGK vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and GRID, 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

MGK vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-40.56%	-7.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-11.73%	-5.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-20.77%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-29.64%	-6.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-40.56%	+4.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.63%	-5.40%	-0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-8.42%	+0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.97%	3.25%	+1.72%

Volatility

MGK vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is 5.96%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.56%. This indicates that MGK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GRID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.96%	9.56%	-3.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	17.70%	-4.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.87%	20.73%	-3.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	21.24%	+1.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	22.90%	-0.97%

MGK vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGK vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	0.80%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.33%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and GRID in my portfolio?

MGK and GRID have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGK or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to MGK (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.76% vs 18.85% for MGK. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, MGK has been the lower-risk option at 5.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.76% return vs 18.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or GRID?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MGK or GRID?

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.33% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and GRID?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.37), 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.