MQY vs VOO
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MQY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.77% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.01% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.28% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.01% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.82% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 1992 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MQY vs VOO Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc (MQY) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MQY returned +8.28% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, MQY is up 2.01% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, MQY compounded at +6.01% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.82% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +0.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.5% for MQY. 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 -50.0% for MQY and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MQY charges 1.90% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $190 vs $3 annually, a gap of $187 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MQY currently yields 5.77% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MQY and VOO share 0 holdings out of 706 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, MQY or VOO?
MQY has an expense ratio of 1.90% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $187 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MQY or VOO?
Over the past year MQY returned +8.28% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MQY annualized +0.51% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MQY or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.5% for MQY. Worst drawdown: MQY -50.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MQY and VOO?
MQY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MQY and VOO?
MQY and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 706 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MQY or VOO?
MQY yields 5.77% while VOO yields 1.08%, so MQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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