Better Growth ETF: Vanguard's MGK vs. iShares' IWO
Yahoo Finance·2026-01-01 16:03

Core Insights - The iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO) focuses on over 1,000 small-cap growth stocks, while the Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) concentrates on just 69 mega-cap stocks, primarily in the technology sector [1][2][4][5] Fund Characteristics - IWO has sector weights of 25% in technology, 22% in healthcare, and 21% in industrials, with top holdings like Credo Technology Group, Bloom Energy, and Fabrinet each accounting for just over 1% of assets [1] - MGK has a striking 71% allocation to technology, with top holdings including Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, which collectively make up over a third of the fund [2][5] Performance and Risk - MGK has delivered stronger five-year returns and shallower drawdowns compared to IWO, but its heavy tilt towards technology makes it vulnerable to sector downturns [5][7][8] - IWO offers greater diversification, which can cushion against downturns in specific sectors, but it carries higher risk due to its focus on small-cap stocks [8] Cost and Fees - MGK is more affordable than IWO, with an expense ratio that is 0.17 percentage points lower, although IWO offers a slightly higher dividend yield [3][5] Investment Strategy - The choice between IWO and MGK depends on investor preferences for diversification versus concentration, with IWO appealing to those seeking broader exposure and MGK to those favoring established tech giants [4][8]