MGK vs. VYM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MGK returned 18.41%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for VYM. Their 0.73 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

MGK vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGK achieves a 7.10% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 14.80% return. Over the past 10 years, MGK has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 18.41%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.68% annualized return.

MGK

• 1D: 2.22%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 8.75%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 1Y: 19.10%
• 3Y*: 23.88%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 18.41%
• ALL TIME*: 13.49%

VYM

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 2.08%
• 6M: 9.09%
• YTD: 14.80%
• 1Y: 25.54%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 11.68%
• ALL TIME*: 9.40%

*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	$120.45M	$120.74M	$143.14M
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	$204.09M	$201.36M	$203.61M

MGK vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	7.10%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-2.91%	29.49%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	14.80%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and VYM is 0.40, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between MGK and VYM has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MGK vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	VYM
Technology	58.7%	17.8%
Communication Services	16.4%	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	6.8%
Healthcare	4.9%	13.2%
Financial Services	4.0%	21.0%
Industrials	2.7%	12.6%
Real Estate	1.2%	0.0%
Utilities	1.0%	5.7%
Basic Materials	0.4%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	8.1%
Energy	-	8.6%

Return for Risk

MGK vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGK

MGK Risk / Return Rank: 38
MGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MGK Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
MGK Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 92
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	2.52	-1.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	3.60	-2.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.46	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	3.83	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.54	14.40	-10.86

MGK vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and VYM, 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. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-56.98%	+8.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-6.69%	-10.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-14.46%	-8.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-15.84%	-20.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	-35.21%	-0.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.04%	-0.64%	-3.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-7.14%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	1.78%	+3.62%

Volatility

MGK vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a higher volatility of 6.24% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.40%. This indicates that MGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.24%	2.40%	+3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.80%	7.43%	+7.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.27%	10.19%	+8.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.96%	13.87%	+9.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.03%	16.30%	+5.73%

MGK vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% 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. VYM - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than VYM's 2.23% 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%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.23%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and VYM in my portfolio?

MGK and VYM have a correlation of 0.40, 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 VYM?

MGK has higher volatility (6.24%) compared to VYM (2.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or VYM?

On 10-year performance, MGK leads with 18.41% vs 11.68% for VYM. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, MGK has performed better with a 18.41% return vs 11.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for MGK.

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.33% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and VYM?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VYM is Dividend. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.05), 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.