MPA vs SPY
MPA vs SPY
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MPA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $156M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 165 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.86% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.57% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.25% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 1992 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MPA vs SPY Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MPA is up 2.86% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, MPA compounded at +5.21% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.25% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.8% for MPA. 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 -54.5% for MPA and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MPA charges 1.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $148 vs $9 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MPA currently yields 5.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MPA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 557 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, MPA or SPY?
MPA has an expense ratio of 1.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MPA or SPY?
Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), MPA annualized +0.19% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MPA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.8% for MPA. Worst drawdown: MPA -54.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MPA and SPY?
MPA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MPA and SPY?
MPA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MPA or SPY?
MPA yields 5.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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