MGK vs. VUG

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard - MGK tracks the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 18.26%/yr vs 17.38%/yr for VUG. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

MGK vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 4.77% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.02% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with MGK having a 18.26% annualized return and VUG not far behind at 17.38%.

MGK

• 1D: 1.11%
• 1M: -0.78%
• 6M: 6.56%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 1Y: 16.51%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 13.06%
• 10Y*: 18.26%
• ALL TIME*: 13.36%

VUG

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 6.39%
• YTD: 5.02%
• 1Y: 15.36%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 17.38%
• ALL TIME*: 12.08%

*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)
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	$119.42M	$123.75M	$142.35M
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	$556.11M	$661.72M	$650.91M

MGK vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	4.77%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.02%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and VUG is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.99

The correlation between MGK and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

MGK vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	VUG
Technology	58.7%	56.2%
Communication Services	16.4%	15.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	11.5%
Healthcare	4.9%	4.7%
Financial Services	4.0%	3.8%
Industrials	2.7%	5.3%
Real Estate	1.2%	1.0%
Utilities	1.0%	0.7%
Basic Materials	0.4%	0.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	1.4%
Energy	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 29
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 29
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 28
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	0.72	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.16	1.10	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.13	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.83	0.78	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.57	2.47	+0.10

MGK vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-50.68%	+2.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-16.53%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-22.85%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-35.61%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-35.61%	-0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.13%	-5.53%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-7.08%	-0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	5.20%	+0.20%

Volatility

MGK vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a higher volatility of 5.90% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 5.58%. This indicates that MGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.90%	5.58%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.66%	14.24%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.25%	17.74%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.93%	22.49%	+0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.02%	21.55%	+0.47%

MGK vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MGK vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than VUG's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	0.34%	0.35%	0.43%	0.50%	0.70%	0.41%	0.65%	0.85%	1.12%	1.23%	1.53%	1.43%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, MGK and VUG 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 VUG?

MGK has higher volatility (5.90%) compared to VUG (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or VUG?

On 10-year performance, MGK leads with 18.26% vs 17.38% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 5.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, MGK has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 17.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for MGK.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.34% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and VUG?

MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.76 vs 0.72), 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.