ZS vs. MGK

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ZS (Zscaler, Inc.) is a stock, while MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index. Over the past 5 years, ZS returned -9.02%/yr vs 14.87%/yr for MGK. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

ZS vs. MGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) 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, ZS achieves a -42.42% return, which is significantly lower than MGK's 5.33% return.

ZS

• 1D: 2.70%
• 1M: -19.58%
• YTD: -42.42%
• 6M: -45.18%
• 1Y: -57.11%
• 3Y*: -6.33%
• 5Y*: -9.02%
• 10Y*: —

MGK

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.33%
• 6M: 6.21%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 24.17%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

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

ZS vs. MGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ZS Zscaler, Inc.	-42.42%	24.67%	-18.57%	98.00%	-65.18%	60.90%	329.48%	18.59%	42.58%
MGK Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF	5.33%	20.67%	32.94%	51.67%	-33.59%	28.58%	41.01%	37.38%	-8.87%

Correlation

The correlation between ZS and MGK is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2018	0.56

The correlation between ZS and MGK shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.62 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ZS vs. MGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZS

ZS Risk / Return Rank: 6
ZS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ZS Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
ZS Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ZS Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
ZS Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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

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.

ZS vs. MGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) 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.

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.

	ZS	MGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.97	1.37	-2.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.34	1.89	-3.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	1.24	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.88	1.37	-2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.55	4.65	-6.19

ZS vs. MGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ZS Sharpe Ratio is -0.97, which is lower than the MGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ZS 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.

Drawdowns

ZS vs. MGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ZS drawdown since its inception was -76.41%, which is greater than MGK's maximum drawdown of -48.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ZS and MGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ZS	MGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.41%	-48.43%	-27.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-64.89%	-16.85%	-48.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-64.89%	-23.36%	-41.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-76.41%	-36.01%	-40.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-64.88%	-5.63%	-59.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.68%	-7.58%	-25.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.90%	4.97%	+31.93%

Volatility

ZS vs. MGK - Volatility Comparison

Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) has a higher volatility of 44.34% compared to Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) at 5.96%. This indicates that ZS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ZS	MGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	44.34%	5.96%	+38.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	57.43%	13.29%	+44.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.73%	16.87%	+41.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.07%	22.72%	+33.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.78%	21.93%	+36.85%

Dividends

ZS vs. MGK - Dividend Comparison

ZS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MGK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%.

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%
ZS Zscaler, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ZS and MGK in my portfolio?

ZS and MGK have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ZS or MGK?

ZS has higher volatility (44.34%) compared to MGK (5.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ZS dropped -76.41% vs MGK's -48.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -0.97), 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.