MUA vs VOO
BlackRock MuniAssets 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.67% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $562M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.81% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.63% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.50% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.91% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.15% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MUA vs VOO Performance
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUA returned +2.50% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, MUA is down 0.63% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, MUA compounded at +6.91% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -3.15% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +0.34%. 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 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 -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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUA charges 1.67% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $167 vs $3 annually, a gap of $164 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUA currently yields 5.81% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MUA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 670 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 VOO?
MUA has an expense ratio of 1.67% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $164 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUA or VOO?
Over the past year MUA returned +2.50% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUA annualized +0.34% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: MUA -46.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MUA and VOO?
MUA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUA and VOO?
MUA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 670 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUA or VOO?
MUA yields 5.81% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MUA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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