MGK vs VUG
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF
Which is better, MGK or VUG?
Nearly the same fund. VUG costs less.
VUG has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00. VUG is less concentrated, with 63.6% 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 | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $32.4B | $219.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 0.38% |
| Holdings | 55 | 146 |
| YTD Return | +8.57%Best | +7.68% |
| 1Y Return | +12.16%Best | +10.16% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.02%Best | +23.26% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98%Best | +11.92% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6%Best | 17.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9%Best | -50.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,408Best | $17,561 |
| Top 10 Weight | 67.1% | 63.6%Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2007 to Sep 15, 2026 (18.7 years).
MGK vs VUG 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.
MGK vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MGK returned +12.16% while VUG returned +10.16%. Year to date, MGK is up 8.57% versus a gain of 7.68% for VUG.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +24.02% per year against +23.26% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +11.92% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +11.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 17.6% for MGK. 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 -50.7% for VUG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 1.00. 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 VUG 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 0.38% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
99.8% of MGK's money is in holdings VUG also owns. 86.9% of VUG's money is in holdings MGK also owns.
Most of MGK is already inside VUG. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
57 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 147 in VUG, against full books of 55 and 146.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 57 and 147 positions we hold weights for.
VUG holds 89 positions MGK does not, 12.8% of the fund.
Largest: COST 1.19%, MCD 0.55%, GE 0.54%, TXN 0.36%, SBUX 0.35%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MGK | Weight in VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp | 13.54% | 12.81% | 0.73% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 13.21% | 12.59% | 0.62% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 9.51% | 9.59% | 0.08% |
| GOOGLAlphabet Inc,class A | 6.00% | 5.80% | 0.20% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 5.17% | 5.15% | 0.02% |
| GOOGAlphabet Inc | 4.79% | 4.62% | 0.17% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 4.48% | 4.46% | 0.02% |
| METAMeta Platforms Inc | 4.10% | 3.41% | 0.69% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 3.31% | 2.72% | 0.59% |
| TSLATesla Inc | 2.95% | 2.44% | 0.51% |
99.8% of MGK is already inside VUG.
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 VUG?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGK or VUG?
Over the past year MGK returned +12.16% vs +10.16% for VUG, so MGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.48% vs +11.93% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGK or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 17.6% for MGK. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs VUG -50.7%.
Should I hold both MGK and VUG?
MGK and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 VUG?
99.8% of MGK's money is in holdings VUG also owns. 86.9% of VUG's is in holdings MGK also owns. They hold 57 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 147 in VUG.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or VUG?
MGK yields 0.33% while VUG yields 0.38%, so VUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VUG better than MGK?
VUG has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00. VUG is less concentrated, with 63.6% 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.