MGK vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MGK returned 14.87%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MGK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

MGK vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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 XLC's -4.85% 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%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.38%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

MGK vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	5.33%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-11.81%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MGK and XLC is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.82

Over the past year, the correlation between MGK and XLC has dropped to 0.59 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MGK vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MGK	XLC
Technology	56.1%	4.7%
Communication Services	17.3%	95.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	-
Healthcare	4.5%	-
Financial Services	4.5%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Industrials	1.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	-
Energy	-	-

Return for Risk

MGK vs. XLC — 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

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	0.69	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.08	+0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.12	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	0.86	+0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.65	2.73	+1.92

MGK vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGK Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGK and XLC, 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. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGK drawdown since its inception was -48.43%, roughly equal to the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGK and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGK	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.43%	-46.65%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.85%	-10.57%	-6.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-17.97%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.01%	-46.65%	+10.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.63%	-6.72%	+1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.58%	-10.58%	+3.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.97%	3.33%	+1.64%

Volatility

MGK vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a higher volatility of 5.96% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that MGK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGK	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.96%	3.57%	+2.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	9.65%	+3.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.87%	13.28%	+3.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	20.68%	+2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	22.17%	-0.24%

MGK vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. XLC - Dividend Comparison

MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than XLC's 1.25% 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%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGK and XLC in my portfolio?

MGK and XLC have a correlation of 0.59, 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 XLC?

MGK has higher volatility (5.96%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGK dropped -48.43% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, MGK or XLC?

On 5-year performance, MGK leads with 14.87% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, MGK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGK or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, MGK has performed better with a 14.87% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGK or XLC?

MGK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLC.

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

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.33% for MGK.

What is the main difference between MGK and XLC?

MGK is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for MGK and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.69), 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.