IVV vs MUS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc.
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $181M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.78% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 233 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | -1.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +4.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +5.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +4.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -41.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 1, 1998 |
IVV vs MUS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while MUS returned +4.00%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a loss of 1.56% for MUS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +5.89% for MUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +4.30% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, MUS has the edge at +8.27% annualized vs +7.00%. 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 12.2% for MUS. 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 -41.3% for MUS. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MUS charges 1.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $150 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.78% for MUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MUS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MUS charges 1.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MUS?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +4.00% for MUS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +8.27% for MUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MUS?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MUS -41.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and MUS?
IVV and MUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MUS?
IVV yields 1.10% while MUS yields 0.78%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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