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Vanguard is known for offering low-cost, passively managed ETFs that emphasize broad market exposure and long-term investing. The company operates 175 ETFs across diverse fund families including Index, Bond, Equity, Dividend, Income, International, Factor, and ESG strategies, serving investors with various goals from core portfolio building to specialized income generation. Notable for its scale and popular tickers like VB (total U.S. small-cap), BND (total bond market), and VBIAX (international bonds), Vanguard focuses on providing comprehensive, index-based investment solutions with an emphasis on cost efficiency and accessibility.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on MGK and VUG.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
MGK has outpaced VUG over the trailing twelve months, posting a 20.07% total return against 18.23%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: MGK has compounded at 18.73% a year, against 17.76% for VUG. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 14, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Dec 2007” measures every fund from December 21, 2007 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VUG offers the higher yield at 0.42% vs 0.38% for MGK. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VUG is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to 0.07%.
They track different benchmarks: MGK is linked to CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VUG is the larger fund by assets ($222B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, MGK would generate roughly $3.17/month, while VUG would produce $3.50/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
MGK yield0.38%
VUG yield0.42%
Monthly diff on $10K$0.33
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, MGK would cost approximately $70 in fees vs $40 for VUG (simplified, not compounded). The $30.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
MGK ER0.07%
VUG ER0.04%
Strategy & risk
MGK tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index with an index approach, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a growth approach.
MGK beta1.26
VUG beta1.26
Fund details
MGK is managed by Vanguard (launched 12/17/2007) with $33.4B in assets. VUG is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $222B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is MGK or VUG better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VUG currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between MGK and VUG?
MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) tracks CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index with an index approach, while VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a growth approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both MGK and VUG?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, MGK or VUG?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VUG charges 0.04%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in MGK vs VUG generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in MGK would generate roughly $3.17 per month ($38.00 annually). The same in VUG would produce about $3.50 per month ($42.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, MGK or VUG?
MGK has outpaced VUG over the trailing twelve months, posting a 20.07% total return against 18.23%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: MGK has compounded at 18.73% a year, against 17.76% for VUG. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Explore related screeners
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