MGK vs VTI
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MGK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.73% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.65% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.34% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.04% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
MGK vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MGK returned +15.65% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, MGK is up 7.73% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +24.34% per year against +21.53% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.04% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -48.9% for MGK and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGK charges 0.05% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGK currently yields 0.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MGK and VTI share 53 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MGK or VTI?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGK or VTI?
Over the past year MGK returned +15.65% vs +20.47% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.48% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGK or VTI?
MGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MGK and VTI?
MGK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 MGK and VTI?
MGK and VTI share 53 common holdings with a 44.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or VTI?
MGK yields 0.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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