IWF vs MGK: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF against Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF, over the same 18 years (January 2008 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From January 2008 to October 2026, IWF returned 12.0% a year and MGK 12.7% a year on average, so MGK came out ahead by 0.7% a year. MGK was the more volatile of the two (17.7% against 17.2% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 46.3% for IWF and 44.3% for MGK.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.99: they moved almost in lockstep. Over 191 rolling 3-year periods, IWF did better in 43% and MGK in 57%.
Side by side
| IWF | MGK | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +12.0% | +12.7% |
| Total return | +751% | +854% |
| Annual volatility | 17.2% | 17.7% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −46.3% | −44.3% |
| Worst month | −17.7% | −16.7% |
| Best month | +14.7% | +15.0% |
| Positive months | 62% | 62% |
| Best year | 2023: +41.8% | 2023: +51.0% |
| Worst year | 2008: −38.8% | 2008: −36.8% |
| 1-year return | +5.2% | +13.2% |
| 5 years, a year | +11.3% | +13.1% |
| 10 years, a year | +17.1% | +18.2% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 226 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: IWF vs MGK
Returns by calendar year
| Year | IWF | MGK |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +18.0% | +20.3% |
| 2024 | +32.6% | +32.5% |
| 2023 | +41.8% | +51.0% |
| 2022 | −29.8% | −33.9% |
| 2021 | +26.9% | +28.1% |
| 2020 | +37.4% | +40.1% |
| 2019 | +34.8% | +36.4% |
| 2018 | −2.5% | −3.7% |
| 2017 | +28.8% | +28.1% |
| 2016 | +5.8% | +5.2% |
| 2015 | +4.4% | +2.5% |
| 2014 | +11.6% | +12.8% |
| 2013 | +31.7% | +31.1% |
| 2012 | +13.8% | +15.7% |
| 2011 | +1.3% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | +15.3% | +13.3% |
| 2009 | +35.0% | +33.8% |
| 2008 | −38.8% | −36.8% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, IWF or MGK?
From January 2008 to October 2026, IWF returned +12.0% a year and MGK +12.7% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods IWF did better in 43% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, IWF or MGK?
Over the same months annual volatility was 17.2% for IWF and 17.7% for MGK; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 46.3% and 44.3%, and the worst single month −17.7% and −16.7%.
How correlated are IWF and MGK?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.99: they moved almost in lockstep. Holding both adds little diversification compared with holding one.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.