VMCTX vs. MGK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMCTX (Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - VMCTX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while MGK is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VMCTX returned 16.46%/yr vs 19.24%/yr for MGK. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VMCTX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGK.

Performance

VMCTX vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMCTX achieves a 11.68% return, which is significantly higher than MGK's 10.01% return. Over the past 10 years, VMCTX has underperformed MGK with an annualized return of 16.46%, while MGK has yielded a comparatively higher 19.24% annualized return.

VMCTX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 6.43%
• YTD: 11.68%
• 6M: 11.63%
• 1Y: 30.69%
• 3Y*: 24.20%
• 5Y*: 15.10%
• 10Y*: 16.46%

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%

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

VMCTX vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMCTX Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.68%	19.35%	27.18%	29.67%	-19.91%	27.57%	21.47%	31.42%	-3.47%	22.57%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between VMCTX and MGK is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2007	0.95

The correlation between VMCTX and MGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMCTX vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VMCTX

VMCTX Risk / Return Rank: 72
VMCTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VMCTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VMCTX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VMCTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VMCTX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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

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.

VMCTX vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCTX) and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK). 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.

	VMCTX	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	1.86	+0.70
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	2.53	+0.94
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.32	+0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.79	+1.40
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.39	6.15	+8.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMCTX vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMCTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is higher than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMCTX and MGK, 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

	VMCTX	MGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.56	1.86	+0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88	0.72	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90	0.88	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.66	-0.06

Drawdowns

VMCTX vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMCTX drawdown since its inception was -52.00%, which is greater than MGK's maximum drawdown of -47.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMCTX and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMCTX	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.00%	-47.97%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.87%	-16.85%	+6.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-23.36%	+4.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.77%	-36.01%	+10.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.96%	-36.01%	+3.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.43%	+1.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-7.47%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	4.89%	-2.70%

Volatility

VMCTX vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMCTX) is 2.93%, while Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) has a volatility of 4.01%. This indicates that VMCTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMCTX	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.93%	4.01%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.29%	12.37%	-3.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	16.23%	-3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	22.63%	-5.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.28%	21.88%	-3.60%

VMCTX vs. MGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMCTX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than MGK's 0.05% 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

VMCTX vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

VMCTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, more than MGK's 0.32% 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%
VMCTX Vanguard Mega Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.87%	0.94%	1.16%	1.36%	1.66%	1.18%	1.46%	1.82%	2.11%	1.84%	2.13%	2.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMCTX and MGK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VMCTX and MGK 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, VMCTX or MGK?

MGK has higher volatility (4.01%) compared to VMCTX (2.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMCTX dropped -52.00% vs MGK's -47.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMCTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 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.