MGK vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 19.24%/yr vs 9.76%/yr for VXUS. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

MGK vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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 VXUS's 14.25% return. Over the past 10 years, MGK has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 19.24%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.76% annualized 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%

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

MGK vs. VXUS - 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%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and VXUS is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.74

The correlation between MGK and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (3 years) to 0.74 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MGK vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	VXUS
Technology	56.1%	18.1%
Communication Services	17.3%	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	8.4%
Healthcare	4.5%	7.1%
Financial Services	4.5%	22.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	2.6%
Utilities	1.2%	3.2%
Industrials	1.1%	16.1%
Basic Materials	0.7%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	5.0%
Energy	-	5.2%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. VXUS — 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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.12	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.90	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	2.85	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.15	11.14	-4.99
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. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and VXUS, 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	2.12	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.53	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88	0.57	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.39	+0.27

Drawdowns

MGK vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -47.97%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.97%	-35.97%	-12.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-11.27%	-5.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-13.58%	-9.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-29.44%	-6.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-35.97%	-0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-0.99%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.47%	-8.22%	+0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	2.88%	+2.01%

Volatility

MGK vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is 4.01%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that MGK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	5.60%	-1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.37%	13.00%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.23%	15.21%	+1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.63%	16.05%	+6.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.88%	17.16%	+4.72%

MGK vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MGK and VXUS have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MGK vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, less than VXUS's 2.66% 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%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and VXUS in my portfolio?

MGK and VXUS have a correlation of 0.68, 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to MGK (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -47.97% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, MGK leads with 19.24% vs 9.76% for VXUS. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, MGK has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, MGK has performed better with a 19.24% return vs 9.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or VXUS?

MGK and VXUS have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.32% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and VXUS?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 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.