IVV vs MUA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. MUA offers more diversification with 561 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MUA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.67% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $564M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 5.99% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 561 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -2.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +1.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +7.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | -3.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -46.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 25, 1993 |
IVV vs MUA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while MUA returned +1.36%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 2.24% for MUA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +7.19% for MUA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and -3.36% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.3% for MUA. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -46.6% for MUA. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MUA charges 1.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $167 annually, a gap of $164 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 5.99% for MUA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MUA share 0 holdings out of 670 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MUA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MUA charges 1.67%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $164 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MUA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +1.36% for MUA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +0.29% for MUA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MUA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MUA -46.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and MUA?
IVV and MUA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MUA?
IVV and MUA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 670 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MUA?
IVV yields 1.10% while MUA yields 5.99%, so MUA 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.