MLN vs VTI
VanEck Long Muni ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MLN or VTI?
Municipal Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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 | MLN | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $685M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.89% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 661 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -4.89% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.96% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.55% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.45% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.9% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -52.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,834 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
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).
MLN vs VTI 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.
MLN vs VTI Performance
VanEck Long Muni ETF (MLN) is an ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLN returned -2.96% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, MLN is down 4.89% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, MLN compounded at +1.55% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.45% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +9.89% 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 16.1% for VTI. 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 -52.6% for VTI. 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
MLN charges 0.24% per year while VTI 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 3.89% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 358 holdings in MLN and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 49.0% and 90.6% 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 358 positions we hold weights for in MLN and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 661 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MLN and VTI 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, MLN or VTI?
MLN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MLN or VTI?
Over the past year MLN returned -2.96% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MLN annualized +2.57% vs +9.89% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MLN or VTI?
MLN has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MLN -62.4% vs VTI -52.6%.
Should I hold both MLN and VTI?
MLN and VTI 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, MLN or VTI?
MLN yields 3.89% while VTI yields 1.03%, so MLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MLN?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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.