MGK vs VTI
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MGK or VTI?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% 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 | MGK | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $33.5B | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 60 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | +14.31%Best | +13.35% |
| 1Y Return | +16.01%Best | +15.92% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.28%Best | +23.41% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.65%Best | +12.83% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9%Best | -54.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,688Best | $18,286 |
| Top 10 Weight | 67.1% | 33.3%Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2007 to Oct 2, 2026 (18.8 years).
MGK vs VTI 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 18.8 years both funds cover.
MGK vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MGK returned +16.01% while VTI returned +15.92%. Year to date, MGK is up 14.31% versus a gain of 13.35% for VTI.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +28.28% per year against +23.41% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.65% and +12.83% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.76% annualized vs +9.58%.
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 16.1% 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 -54.5% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 0.33% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
99.5% of MGK's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 44.9% of VTI's money is in holdings MGK also owns.
Most of MGK is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
56 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 60 and 3,524.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 57 and 3,463 positions we hold weights for.
VTI holds 1,095 positions MGK does not, 52.6% of the fund.
Largest: JPM 1.31%, MU 1.29%, BRK.B 1.28%, XOM 0.89%, JNJ 0.86%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MGK | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp | 13.54% | 6.40% | 7.14% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 13.21% | 6.29% | 6.92% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 9.51% | 4.79% | 4.72% |
| GOOGLAlphabet Inc,class A | 6.00% | 2.90% | 3.10% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 5.17% | 3.65% | 1.52% |
| GOOGAlphabet Inc. C | 4.79% | 2.31% | 2.48% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 4.48% | 2.56% | 1.92% |
| METAMeta Platforms Inc | 4.10% | 1.70% | 2.40% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 3.31% | 1.35% | 1.96% |
| TSLATesla Inc | 2.95% | 1.22% | 1.73% |
99.5% of MGK is already inside VTI.
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, MGK or VTI?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGK or VTI?
Over the past year MGK returned +16.01% vs +15.92% for VTI, so MGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.76% vs +9.58% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGK or VTI?
MGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs VTI -54.5%.
Should I hold both MGK and VTI?
MGK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 MGK and VTI?
99.5% of MGK's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 44.9% of VTI's is in holdings MGK also owns. They hold 56 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 3,463 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or VTI?
MGK yields 0.33% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MGK?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% 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.