MLN vs VOO
VanEck Long Muni ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $691M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.66% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 682 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.51% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.32% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.79% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.63% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MLN vs VOO Performance
VanEck Long Muni ETF (MLN) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLN returned +5.32% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, MLN is down 0.51% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, MLN compounded at +2.79% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.63% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +2.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.0% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -62.4% for MLN and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLN charges 0.24% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLN currently yields 3.66% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MLN and VOO share 0 holdings out of 868 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, MLN or VOO?
MLN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLN or VOO?
Over the past year MLN returned +5.32% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MLN annualized +2.83% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLN or VOO?
MLN has been the more volatile fund at 42.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MLN -62.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MLN and VOO?
MLN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLN and VOO?
MLN and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLN or VOO?
MLN yields 3.66% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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