MGC vs SPY
Vanguard Mega Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
MGC has a lower expense ratio. MGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MGC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 176 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.31% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.77% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.82% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.80% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MGC vs SPY Performance
Vanguard Mega Cap ETF (MGC) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MGC returned +21.77% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MGC is up 13.31% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, MGC compounded at +22.82% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.80% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGC has the edge at +10.08% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -53.0% for MGC and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGC charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGC currently yields 1.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MGC and SPY share 166 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MGC or SPY?
MGC has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. MGC is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGC or SPY?
Over the past year MGC returned +21.77% vs +21.53% for SPY, so MGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGC annualized +10.08% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGC or SPY?
MGC has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MGC -53.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MGC and SPY?
MGC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MGC and SPY?
MGC and SPY share 166 common holdings with a 79.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGC or SPY?
MGC yields 1.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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