MGK vs VYM
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MGK or VYM?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VYM over 1Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% 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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $32.4B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 55 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +8.57% | +12.87%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.16% | +17.25%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.02%Best | +17.66% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98%Best | +11.98% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9%Best | -56.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,408Best | $17,608 |
| Top 10 Weight | 67.1% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2007 to Sep 15, 2026 (18.7 years).
MGK vs VYM 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 VYM Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MGK returned +12.16% while VYM returned +17.25%. Year to date, MGK is up 8.57% versus a gain of 12.87% for VYM.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +24.02% per year against +17.66% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +7.15%.
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 14.8% for VYM. 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 -56.1% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGK charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGK currently yields 0.33% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
5.5% of MGK's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 8.4% of VYM's money is in holdings MGK also owns.
VYM and MGK share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 557 in VYM, against full books of 55 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 57 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 525 positions MGK does not, 88.7% of the fund.
Largest: JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%, ABBV 1.80%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MGK and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MGK or VYM?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGK or VYM?
Over the past year MGK returned +12.16% vs +17.25% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.48% vs +7.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGK or VYM?
MGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs VYM -56.1%.
Should I hold both MGK and VYM?
MGK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between MGK and VYM?
8.4% of VYM's money is in holdings MGK also owns. 8.4% of VYM's is in holdings MGK also owns. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 57 positions we hold weights for in MGK and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or VYM?
MGK yields 0.33% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MGK?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MGK led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, VYM over 1Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% 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.