MQY vs VYM
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MQY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.77% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.01% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.28% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.01% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.82% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 1992 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MQY vs VYM Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc (MQY) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MQY returned +8.28% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, MQY is up 2.01% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, MQY compounded at +6.01% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.82% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +0.51%. 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 12.5% 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 -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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MQY charges 1.90% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $190 vs $4 annually, a gap of $186 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MQY currently yields 5.77% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MQY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 804 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 VYM?
MQY has an expense ratio of 1.90% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $186 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MQY or VYM?
Over the past year MQY returned +8.28% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MQY annualized +0.51% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MQY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.5% for MQY. Worst drawdown: MQY -50.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MQY and VYM?
MQY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MQY and VYM?
MQY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MQY or VYM?
MQY yields 5.77% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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