MLN vs VTI
VanEck Long Muni ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $691M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 682 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.45% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.38% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.77% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.59% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
MLN vs VTI Performance
VanEck Long Muni ETF (MLN) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLN returned +5.38% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, MLN is down 0.45% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, MLN compounded at +2.77% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.59% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +2.84%. 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 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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
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 3.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MLN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3146 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 VTI?
MLN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLN or VTI?
Over the past year MLN returned +5.38% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MLN annualized +2.84% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLN or VTI?
MLN has been the more volatile fund at 42.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MLN -62.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MLN and VTI?
MLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLN and VTI?
MLN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLN or VTI?
MLN yields 3.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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