IVV vs MLN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Long Muni ETF
Which is better, IVV or MLN?
Large Cap Blend against Municipal Bond.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MLN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.24% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $685M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 3.89% |
| Holdings | 508 | 661 |
| YTD Return | +12.51%Best | -4.89% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | -2.96% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27%Best | +1.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95%Best | -2.45% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6%Best | 41.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -52.4%Best | -62.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,384Best | $8,834 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 2, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 7, 2008 to Sep 11, 2026 (18.7 years).
IVV vs MLN growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.7 years both funds cover.
IVV vs MLN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Long Muni ETF (MLN) is an ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while MLN returned -2.96%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.51% versus a loss of 4.89% for MLN.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.27% per year against +1.55% for MLN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and -2.45% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +9.92% annualized vs +2.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% compared with 15.6% for IVV. 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 -52.4% for IVV and -62.4% for MLN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MLN charges 0.24%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $24 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 3.89% for MLN.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 358 in MLN, totalling 100.0% and 49.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 358 in MLN, against full books of 508 and 661.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and MLN you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MLN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MLN charges 0.24%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or MLN?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs -2.96% for MLN, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +9.92% vs +2.57% for MLN. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or MLN?
MLN has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 15.6% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -52.4% vs MLN -62.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and MLN?
IVV and MLN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MLN?
IVV yields 1.06% while MLN yields 3.89%, so MLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MLN better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.