MGK vs. UTES

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and UTES (Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while UTES is a Utilities Equities fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. MGK is passively managed, while UTES is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 18.85%/yr vs 12.27%/yr for UTES. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for UTES.

Performance

MGK vs. UTES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES). 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 higher than UTES's 0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, MGK has outperformed UTES with an annualized return of 18.85%, while UTES has yielded a comparatively lower 12.27% annualized return.

MGK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -2.06%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.21%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 24.17%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

UTES

• 1D: 1.56%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 8.31%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 15.32%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

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

MGK vs. UTES - 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%
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF	0.26%	25.71%	45.35%	-2.46%	0.80%	20.74%	-0.30%	25.48%	5.14%	14.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and UTES is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2015	0.30

MGK vs. UTES - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	UTES
Technology	56.1%	-
Communication Services	17.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	-
Healthcare	4.5%	-
Financial Services	4.5%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.2%	100.0%
Industrials	1.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	-
Energy	-	-

Return for Risk

MGK vs. UTES — 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

UTES

UTES Risk / Return Rank: 16
UTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
UTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
UTES Omega Ratio Rank: 15
UTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
UTES Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. UTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES). 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	UTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	0.39	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	0.67	+1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.08	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	0.60	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.65	1.32	+3.32

MGK vs. UTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the UTES Sharpe Ratio of 0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and UTES, 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. UTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, which is greater than UTES's maximum drawdown of -35.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and UTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	UTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-35.39%	-13.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-13.88%	-2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-17.62%	-5.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-20.40%	-15.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-35.39%	-0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.63%	-9.10%	+3.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-5.53%	-2.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.97%	6.29%	-1.32%

Volatility

MGK vs. UTES - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is 5.96%, while Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) has a volatility of 7.23%. This indicates that MGK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	UTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.96%	7.23%	-1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	17.05%	-3.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.87%	21.32%	-4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	20.62%	+2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	20.17%	+1.76%

MGK vs. UTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than UTES's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGK vs. UTES - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than UTES's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
UTES Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF	1.49%	1.42%	1.51%	2.44%	2.13%	1.94%	2.09%	1.84%	2.09%	3.44%	3.53%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and UTES in my portfolio?

MGK and UTES have a correlation of 0.29, 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 UTES?

UTES has higher volatility (7.23%) compared to MGK (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs UTES's -35.39%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or UTES?

On 10-year performance, MGK leads with 18.85% vs 12.27% for UTES. 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 UTES?

Over the 10-year period, MGK has performed better with a 18.85% return vs 12.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or UTES?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for UTES.

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

UTES has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.33% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and UTES?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while UTES is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.49% for UTES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.39), 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.