MPA vs VYM
MPA vs VYM
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MPA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.48% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $156M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.32% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 165 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.86% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.57% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.25% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 1992 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MPA vs VYM Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MPA is up 2.86% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, MPA compounded at +5.21% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.25% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MPA charges 1.48% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $148 vs $4 annually, a gap of $144 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MPA currently yields 5.32% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MPA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 612 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 VYM?
MPA has an expense ratio of 1.48% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $144 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MPA or VYM?
Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MPA annualized +0.19% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MPA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.8% for MPA. Worst drawdown: MPA -54.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MPA and VYM?
MPA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MPA and VYM?
MPA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 612 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MPA or VYM?
MPA yields 5.32% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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