Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMIYVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.44%0.05%
AUM$352M$156.5B
Dividend Yield5.22%2.60%
Holdings1458,747
YTD Return+7.59%+14.57%
1Y Return+14.28%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.46%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.25%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)11.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-53.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionOct 30, 1992Jan 26, 2011

MIY vs VXUS Performance

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc (MIY) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MIY returned +14.28% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MIY is up 7.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, MIY compounded at +9.46% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 11.7% for MIY. 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 -53.7% for MIY and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MIY charges 1.44% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $144 vs $5 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MIY currently yields 5.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MIY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7900 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, MIY or VXUS?

MIY has an expense ratio of 1.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MIY or VXUS?

Over the past year MIY returned +14.28% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MIY annualized +0.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MIY or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.7% for MIY. Worst drawdown: MIY -53.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MIY and VXUS?

MIY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MIY and VXUS?

MIY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MIY or VXUS?

MIY yields 5.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MIY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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