MQY vs VTI
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MQY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.76% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.42% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.94% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.29% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 1992 | May 24, 2001 |
MQY vs VTI Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc (MQY) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MQY returned +8.42% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, MQY is up 3.76% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, MQY compounded at +5.94% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.29% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MQY charges 1.90% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MQY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2988 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 VTI?
MQY has an expense ratio of 1.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $187 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MQY or VTI?
Over the past year MQY returned +8.42% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), MQY annualized +0.57% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MQY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 12.5% for MQY. Worst drawdown: MQY -50.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MQY and VTI?
MQY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MQY and VTI?
MQY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2988 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MQY or VTI?
MQY yields 5.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.