VONG vs. MGC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) and MGC (Vanguard Mega Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VONG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index, while MGC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VONG returned 18.61%/yr vs 16.36%/yr for MGC. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VONG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for MGC.

Performance

VONG vs. MGC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) and Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VONG achieves a 7.17% return, which is significantly lower than MGC's 10.80% return. Over the past 10 years, VONG has outperformed MGC with an annualized return of 18.61%, while MGC has yielded a comparatively lower 16.36% annualized return.

VONG

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: 5.68%
• YTD: 7.17%
• 6M: 6.52%
• 1Y: 25.74%
• 3Y*: 24.92%
• 5Y*: 15.38%
• 10Y*: 18.61%

MGC

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 5.59%
• YTD: 10.80%
• 6M: 10.75%
• 1Y: 29.68%
• 3Y*: 23.87%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: 16.36%

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

VONG vs. MGC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	7.17%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	10.80%	19.31%	27.16%	29.77%	-19.95%	27.58%	21.57%	31.14%	-3.45%	22.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VONG and MGC is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2010	0.95

The correlation between VONG and MGC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VONG vs. MGC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VONG	MGC
Technology	51.4%	39.3%
Communication Services	13.2%	13.1%
Consumer Cyclical	13.2%	10.1%
Healthcare	7.1%	8.9%
Industrials	5.7%	6.5%
Financial Services	5.3%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	4.8%
Real Estate	0.4%	1.0%
Energy	0.4%	2.6%
Basic Materials	0.3%	1.2%
Utilities	0.3%	1.0%

Return for Risk

VONG vs. MGC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 41
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

MGC

MGC Risk / Return Rank: 69
MGC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
MGC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MGC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MGC Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
MGC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

VONG vs. MGC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) and Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC). 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.

	VONG	MGC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	2.42	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	3.30	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	3.03	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.34	13.61	-8.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VONG vs. MGC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VONG Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is lower than the MGC Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VONG and MGC, 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

	VONG	MGC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.68	2.42	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.86	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89	0.90	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	0.60	+0.30

Drawdowns

VONG vs. MGC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VONG drawdown since its inception was -32.72%, smaller than the maximum MGC drawdown of -51.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VONG and MGC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VONG	MGC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.72%	-51.93%	+19.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.23%	-9.85%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.27%	-19.28%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.72%	-25.74%	-6.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.72%	-33.07%	+0.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-0.79%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-7.06%	+2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.83%	2.19%	+2.64%

Volatility

VONG vs. MGC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) has a higher volatility of 3.60% compared to Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) at 3.04%. This indicates that VONG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MGC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VONG	MGC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	3.04%	+0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.61%	9.27%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	12.32%	+3.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.33%	17.27%	+4.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.87%	18.21%	+2.66%

VONG vs. MGC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VONG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than MGC'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

VONG vs. MGC - Dividend Comparison

VONG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than MGC's 0.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGC Vanguard Mega Cap ETF	0.87%	0.93%	1.15%	1.35%	1.65%	1.17%	1.45%	1.81%	2.10%	1.83%	2.14%	2.11%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VONG and MGC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VONG and MGC 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, VONG or MGC?

VONG has higher volatility (3.60%) compared to MGC (3.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VONG dropped -32.72% vs MGC's -51.93%.

Which ETF is better, VONG or MGC?

On 10-year performance, VONG leads with 18.61% vs 16.36% for MGC. On fees, MGC is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, MGC has been the lower-risk option at 3.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VONG or MGC?

Over the 10-year period, VONG has performed better with a 18.61% return vs 16.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VONG or MGC?

MGC is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for VONG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VONG or MGC?

MGC has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.43% for VONG.

What is the main difference between VONG and MGC?

VONG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while MGC is Large Cap Blend Equities. VONG tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index, while MGC tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VONG and 0.05% for MGC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.68), 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.