IVV vs MGK
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF
Which is better, IVV or MGK?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Growth.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, MGK over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. IVV is less concentrated, with 37.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 67.1%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MGK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.05% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $32.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.33% |
| Holdings | 508 | 55 |
| YTD Return | +11.51%Best | +8.57% |
| 1Y Return | +15.96%Best | +12.16% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.01% | +24.02%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +12.98%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7%Best | 17.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -48.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,149 | $18,408Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 37.8%Best | 67.1% |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 17, 2007 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2007 to Sep 15, 2026 (18.7 years).
IVV vs MGK growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.7 years both funds cover.
IVV vs MGK Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +15.96% while MGK returned +12.16%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.51% versus a gain of 8.57% for MGK.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.01% per year against +24.02% for MGK; over five years the annualized figures are +12.66% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +9.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 15.7% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -54.7% for IVV and -48.9% for MGK. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MGK charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.33% for MGK.
Holdings Overlap
50.8% of IVV's money is in holdings MGK also owns. 98.9% of MGK's money is in holdings IVV also owns.
Most of MGK is already inside IVV. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
54 positions in common, counted across the 490 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 57 in MGK, against full books of 508 and 55.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 490 and 57 positions we hold weights for.
IVV holds 428 positions MGK does not, 47.8% of the fund.
Largest: MU 1.63%, JPM 1.44%, BRK.B 1.39%, XOM 1.01%, JNJ 0.97%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in MGK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp | 8.07% | 13.54% | 5.47% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 7.02% | 13.21% | 6.19% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 5.69% | 9.51% | 3.82% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 3.84% | 5.17% | 1.33% |
| GOOGLAlphabet Inc,class A | 3.00% | 6.00% | 3.00% |
| GOOGAlphabet Inc | 2.39% | 4.79% | 2.40% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 2.65% | 4.48% | 1.83% |
| METAMeta Platforms Inc | 1.90% | 4.10% | 2.20% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 1.38% | 3.31% | 1.93% |
| TSLATesla Inc | 1.56% | 2.95% | 1.39% |
98.9% of MGK is already inside IVV.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MGK?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MGK charges 0.05%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or MGK?
Over the past year IVV returned +15.96% vs +12.16% for MGK, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +9.54% vs +12.48% for MGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or MGK?
MGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.7% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -54.7% vs MGK -48.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and MGK?
IVV and MGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MGK?
98.9% of MGK's money is in holdings IVV also owns. 98.9% of MGK's is in holdings IVV also owns. They hold 54 positions in common, counted across the 490 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 57 in MGK.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MGK?
IVV yields 1.06% while MGK yields 0.33%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MGK better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, MGK over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. IVV is less concentrated, with 37.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 67.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.