MPA vs VXUS
MPA vs VXUS
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MPA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $156M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.32% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 165 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.57% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.25% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 1992 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MPA vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MPA is up 2.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MPA compounded at +5.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.19%. 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 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 -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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MPA charges 1.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $148 vs $5 annually, a gap of $143 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MPA currently yields 5.32% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MPA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7915 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 VXUS?
MPA has an expense ratio of 1.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $143 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MPA or VXUS?
Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MPA annualized +0.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MPA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for MPA. Worst drawdown: MPA -54.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MPA and VXUS?
MPA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MPA and VXUS?
MPA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7915 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MPA or VXUS?
MPA yields 5.32% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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