MGK vs SPY
MGK vs SPY
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
MGK has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MGK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $33.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.69% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.38% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.89% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.00% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MGK vs SPY Performance
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MGK returned +19.38% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MGK is up 10.69% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, MGK compounded at +24.89% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.00% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MGK has the edge at +12.68% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.95. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGK currently yields 0.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MGK and SPY share 52 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MGK | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.23% | 7.31% | 5.92% |
| AAPL | 12.13% | 7.09% | 5.04% |
| MSFT | 7.48% | 4.43% | 3.05% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MGK shares with SPY 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 SPY?
MGK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. MGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGK or SPY?
Over the past year MGK returned +19.38% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MGK annualized +12.68% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGK or SPY?
MGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MGK -48.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MGK and SPY?
MGK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 SPY?
MGK and SPY share 52 common holdings with a 50.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGK or SPY?
MGK yields 0.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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