MGK vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. MGK is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MGK returned 16.25%/yr vs 13.17%/yr for RFDA. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

MGK vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 10.01% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 11.40% return.

MGK

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: 7.26%
• YTD: 10.01%
• 6M: 9.45%
• 1Y: 30.01%
• 3Y*: 26.77%
• 5Y*: 16.25%
• 10Y*: 19.24%

RFDA

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 4.27%
• YTD: 11.40%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: 19.19%
• 5Y*: 13.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

MGK vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	10.01%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	11.40%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and RFDA 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	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 2016	0.79

The correlation between MGK and RFDA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGK vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	RFDA
Technology	56.1%	19.9%
Communication Services	17.3%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	7.0%
Healthcare	4.5%	8.8%
Financial Services	4.5%	14.7%
Real Estate	1.3%	5.0%
Utilities	1.2%	5.0%
Industrials	1.1%	8.9%
Basic Materials	0.7%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	7.6%
Energy	-	12.5%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 45
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 50
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 38

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 83
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 79
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	MGK	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.55	-0.69
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	3.52	-0.99
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.47	-0.15
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	5.44	-3.65
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.15	19.87	-13.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MGK vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and RFDA, 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

	MGK	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	2.55	-0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.84	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.79	-0.14

Drawdowns

MGK vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -47.97%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.97%	-34.60%	-13.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-5.45%	-11.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-19.35%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-19.35%	-16.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-0.92%	-0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.47%	-3.74%	-3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	1.49%	+3.40%

Volatility

MGK vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a higher volatility of 4.01% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 2.66%. This indicates that MGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	2.66%	+1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.37%	8.47%	+3.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.23%	11.64%	+4.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.63%	15.73%	+6.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.88%	16.85%	+5.03%

MGK vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGK vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, less than RFDA's 1.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.32%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.77%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and RFDA in my portfolio?

MGK and RFDA 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 RFDA?

MGK has higher volatility (4.01%) compared to RFDA (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -47.97% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or RFDA?

On 5-year performance, MGK leads with 16.25% vs 13.17% for RFDA. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or RFDA?

Over the 5-year period, MGK has performed better with a 16.25% return vs 13.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or RFDA?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

RFDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.77%, compared with 0.32% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 1.86), 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.