MGK vs QQQ
MGK vs QQQ
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
MGK has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MGK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $33.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.24% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.65% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.64% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.01% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MGK vs QQQ Performance
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MGK returned +19.65% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, MGK is up 10.24% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +24.64% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.01% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +12.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 17.7% 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 -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. 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 QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGK currently yields 0.44% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MGK and QQQ share 36 holdings out of 122 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MGK | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.23% | 7.88% | 5.35% |
| AAPL | 12.13% | 7.46% | 4.67% |
| MSFT | 7.48% | 4.65% | 2.83% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MGK shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MGK or QQQ?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while QQQ charges 0.18%. MGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGK or QQQ?
Over the past year MGK returned +19.65% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.66% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.7% for MGK. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MGK and QQQ?
MGK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MGK and QQQ?
MGK and QQQ share 36 common holdings with a 61.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or QQQ?
MGK yields 0.44% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.