VMGAX vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VMGAX (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both funds - VMGAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VMGAX returned 18.98%/yr vs 18.03%/yr for SPYG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VMGAX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPYG.

Performance

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMGAX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMGAX achieves a 3.62% return, which is significantly lower than SPYG's 8.49% return. Over the past 10 years, VMGAX has outperformed SPYG with an annualized return of 18.98%, while SPYG has yielded a comparatively lower 18.03% annualized return.

VMGAX

• 1D: -2.15%
• 1M: -3.94%
• YTD: 3.62%
• 6M: 2.13%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 23.32%
• 5Y*: 13.85%
• 10Y*: 18.98%

SPYG

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 8.49%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 24.78%
• 3Y*: 25.40%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 18.03%

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

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMGAX Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.62%	20.73%	32.98%	51.57%	-33.55%	28.50%	41.02%	37.54%	-2.86%	29.49%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.49%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-0.12%	27.24%

Correlation

The correlation between VMGAX and SPYG is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.97

The correlation between VMGAX and SPYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMGAX vs. SPYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMGAX

VMGAX Risk / Return Rank: 20
VMGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VMGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
VMGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VMGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VMGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 44
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMGAX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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.

	VMGAX	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.45	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.02	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.81	-0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.36	7.15	-2.79

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMGAX and SPYG, 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

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMGAX drawdown since its inception was -47.97%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMGAX and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMGAX	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.97%	-67.63%	+19.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.78%	-13.76%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.45%	-22.14%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.03%	-32.67%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.03%	-32.67%	-3.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.16%	-5.71%	-1.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.43%	-24.28%	+16.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.97%	3.48%	+1.49%

Volatility

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMGAX) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) have volatilities of 7.12% and 7.26%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMGAX	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.12%	7.26%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.82%	13.85%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.38%	17.22%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.88%	21.36%	+1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	20.72%	+1.25%

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMGAX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYG'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

VMGAX vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

VMGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than SPYG's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.50%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%
VMGAX Vanguard Mega Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.34%	0.36%	0.44%	0.51%	0.71%	0.42%	0.65%	0.86%	1.13%	1.23%	1.53%	1.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMGAX and SPYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VMGAX and SPYG 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, VMGAX or SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to VMGAX (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMGAX dropped -47.97% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.25), 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.