MGK vs VUG: Head-to-Head Comparison
MGK vs VUG: Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF has an expense ratio of 0.07% while Vanguard Growth ETF charges 0.04%. MGK holds 73 securities vs VUG's 200. 5-year returns: 19.00% vs 18.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
US Large-Cap Growth
Quick Verdict
VUG edges out MGK with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MGK | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $18.0B | $130.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.50% | 0.60% |
| Holdings | 73 | 200 |
| 1-Year Return | 30.00% | 28.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 19.00% | 18.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 17.00% | 16.00% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.15 |
| P/E Ratio | 35.0 | 35.2 |
MGK 5-year annualized return is 19.00% compared to VUG's 18.00%. Over 10 years, MGK returned 17.00% vs VUG's 16.00%.
View data table
| Period | MGK Return | VUG Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 5.00% | 3.50% |
| 1 Year | 30.00% | 28.00% |
| 3 Year | 12.00% | 12.00% |
| 5 Year | 19.00% | 18.00% |
| 10 Year | 17.00% | 16.00% |
Key Differences Between MGK and VUG
MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) is a mega-cap growth fund managed by Vanguard. MGK focuses on the largest and fastest-growing U.S. companies, concentrating on mega-cap stocks with strong revenue and earnings growth. These are the dominant tech and consumer companies that have driven most of the market's gains in recent years. The fund is a cost-effective way to bet on America's biggest growth engines continuing to outperform.
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) is a us large-cap growth fund managed by Vanguard. VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, providing exposure to fast-growing large U.S. companies, especially in the technology sector. It is ideal for investors who want to capture the upside of innovative companies driving the economy forward. The fund's ultra-low cost makes it one of the cheapest ways to invest in large-cap growth stocks.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.07% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (73 vs 200), and 5-year returns (19.00% vs 18.00%).
MGK vs VUG multi-factor comparison: MGK has a 0.07% expense ratio, 19.00% 5-year return, 73 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.50% yield. VUG has 0.04% expense ratio, 18.00% 5-year return, 200 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield.
View data table
| Metric | MGK | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 19.00% | 18.00% |
| Holdings | 73 | 200 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.15 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.50% | 0.60% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
MGK and VUG share 100% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.
MGK and VUG share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). MGK has 73 total holdings and VUG has 200. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | MGK | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 73 | 200 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
MGK
Fee cost: $600
VUG
Fee cost: $344
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $256 on a $10,000 investment. VUG saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, MGK (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009 while VUG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $257.
View data table
| Year | MGK Value | VUG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,646 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,450 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,415 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,009 | $46,266 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose MGK if: You want growth-focused investors who want concentrated exposure to america's largest winners, those comfortable with higher volatility in exchange for stronger growth potential, investors who believe mega-cap tech dominance is a lasting structural trend. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
Choose VUG if: You want younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation, growth-focused portfolios wanting broad large-cap technology exposure, cost-conscious investors looking for a cheap alternative to actively managed growth funds. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both MGK and VUG?
With 100% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy MGK or VUG?▾
VUG edges out MGK with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. MGK is best for investors who want growth-focused investors who want concentrated exposure to america's largest winners, while VUG is better suited for younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation.
What is the difference between MGK and VUG?▾
MGK (Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF) tracks mega-cap growth investments with 73 holdings and a 0.07% expense ratio. VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) focuses on us large-cap growth with 200 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both MGK and VUG?▾
Since MGK and VUG have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.