MGK vs. ISPY

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and ISPY (ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while ISPY is a Derivative Income fund tracking the S&P 500 Daily Covered Call Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MGK returned 16.13% vs 16.35% for ISPY. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ISPY.

Performance

MGK vs. ISPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF (ISPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 2.27% return, which is significantly lower than ISPY's 5.30% return.

MGK

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -7.58%
• YTD: 2.27%
• 6M: 0.79%
• 1Y: 16.13%
• 3Y*: 22.71%
• 5Y*: 13.55%
• 10Y*: 18.78%

ISPY

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: -4.20%
• YTD: 5.30%
• 6M: 3.91%
• 1Y: 16.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MGK vs. ISPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	2.27%	20.67%	32.94%	-0.23%
ISPY ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF	5.30%	13.15%	21.31%	0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and ISPY is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2023	0.90

The correlation between MGK and ISPY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGK vs. ISPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	ISPY
Technology	59.0%	32.3%
Communication Services	15.8%	8.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	7.8%
Healthcare	4.6%	7.5%
Financial Services	4.1%	20.5%
Real Estate	1.1%	1.6%
Utilities	1.0%	2.3%
Industrials	1.0%	7.0%
Basic Materials	0.6%	1.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	4.0%
Energy	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. ISPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 26
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 26
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 26

ISPY

ISPY Risk / Return Rank: 44
ISPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ISPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ISPY Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ISPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
ISPY Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. ISPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF (ISPY). 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	ISPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.39	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	1.86	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.25	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	1.99	-0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.30	8.01	-4.71

MGK vs. ISPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the ISPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and ISPY, 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. ISPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, which is greater than ISPY's maximum drawdown of -16.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and ISPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	ISPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-16.88%	-31.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-8.43%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.37%	-4.61%	-3.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-2.10%	-5.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	2.09%	+3.01%

Volatility

MGK vs. ISPY - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a higher volatility of 7.04% compared to ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF (ISPY) at 4.81%. This indicates that MGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ISPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	ISPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.04%	4.81%	+2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.69%	9.57%	+4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.26%	12.08%	+5.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.80%	13.73%	+9.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	13.73%	+8.21%

MGK vs. ISPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than ISPY's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGK vs. ISPY - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than ISPY's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISPY ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF	4.59%	8.56%	9.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	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 ISPY in my portfolio?

MGK and ISPY have a correlation of 0.88, 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 ISPY?

MGK has higher volatility (7.04%) compared to ISPY (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs ISPY's -16.88%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or ISPY?

On 1-year performance, ISPY leads with 16.35% vs 16.13% for MGK. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, ISPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or ISPY?

Over the 1-year period, ISPY has performed better with a 16.35% return vs 16.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or ISPY?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ISPY.

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

ISPY has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.44% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and ISPY?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ISPY is Derivative Income. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while ISPY tracks S&P 500 Daily Covered Call Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.55% for ISPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 0.98), 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.