MGK vs. IGM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 18.41%/yr vs 23.41%/yr for IGM. Their correlation of 0.95 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IGM.

Performance

MGK vs. IGM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 7.10% return, which is significantly lower than IGM's 21.55% return. Over the past 10 years, MGK has underperformed IGM with an annualized return of 18.41%, while IGM has yielded a comparatively higher 23.41% annualized return.

MGK

• 1D: 2.22%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 8.75%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 1Y: 19.10%
• 3Y*: 23.88%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 18.41%
• ALL TIME*: 13.49%

IGM

• 1D: 2.20%
• 1M: 0.03%
• 6M: 20.71%
• YTD: 21.55%
• 1Y: 38.56%
• 3Y*: 33.72%
• 5Y*: 18.11%
• 10Y*: 23.41%
• ALL TIME*: 12.48%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	$47.27M	$46.48M	$81.75M
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	$120.45M	$120.74M	$143.14M

MGK vs. IGM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	7.10%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	21.55%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and IGM is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.95

The correlation between MGK and IGM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGK vs. IGM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	IGM
Technology	58.7%	85.2%
Communication Services	16.4%	14.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	0.0%
Healthcare	4.9%	-
Financial Services	4.0%	0.2%
Industrials	2.7%	0.3%
Real Estate	1.2%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.4%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	-
Energy	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. IGM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 38
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 36

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 63
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 56

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MGK vs. IGM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM). 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	IGM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	1.59	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	2.14	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.27	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	2.36	-1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.54	6.77	-3.23

MGK vs. IGM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the IGM Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and IGM, 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. IGM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, smaller than the maximum IGM drawdown of -65.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and IGM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	IGM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-65.59%	+17.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-16.44%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-26.39%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-40.68%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-40.68%	+4.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.04%	-8.21%	+4.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-15.18%	+7.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	5.71%	-0.31%

Volatility

MGK vs. IGM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is 6.24%, while iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) has a volatility of 8.47%. This indicates that MGK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IGM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	IGM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.24%	8.47%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.80%	20.36%	-5.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.27%	24.40%	-6.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.96%	26.36%	-3.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.03%	24.85%	-2.82%

MGK vs. IGM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than IGM's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGK vs. IGM - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, more than IGM's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.14%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%
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 IGM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MGK and IGM 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, MGK or IGM?

IGM has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to MGK (6.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs IGM's -65.59%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or IGM?

On 10-year performance, IGM leads with 23.41% vs 18.41% for MGK. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, MGK has been the lower-risk option at 6.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or IGM?

Over the 10-year period, IGM has performed better with a 23.41% return vs 18.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or IGM?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGM.

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

MGK has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.14% for IGM.

What is the main difference between MGK and IGM?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IGM is Technology Equities. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.39% for IGM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.05), 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.