MUA vs SCHD
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. MUA offers more diversification with 165 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.67% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $562M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.81% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.21% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.48% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.71% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.24% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MUA vs SCHD Performance
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MUA returned +2.48% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, MUA is down 1.21% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, MUA compounded at +6.71% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.24% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +0.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 13.3% for MUA. 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 -46.6% for MUA and -33.4% for SCHD. 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
MUA charges 1.67% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $167 vs $6 annually, a gap of $161 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUA currently yields 5.81% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MUA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 265 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, MUA or SCHD?
MUA has an expense ratio of 1.67% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $161 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUA or SCHD?
Over the past year MUA returned +2.48% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MUA annualized +0.32% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: MUA -46.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MUA and SCHD?
MUA and SCHD 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 MUA and SCHD?
MUA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 265 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUA or SCHD?
MUA yields 5.81% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MUA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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