MUA vs VTI
BlackRock MuniAssets 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 | MUA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.67% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $564M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.24% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.36% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.19% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.36% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
MUA vs VTI Performance
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) 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 MUA returned +1.36% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, MUA is down 2.24% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, MUA compounded at +7.19% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.36% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUA charges 1.67% per year while VTI 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 5.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MUA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2952 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 VTI?
MUA has an expense ratio of 1.67% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $164 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUA or VTI?
Over the past year MUA returned +1.36% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), MUA annualized +0.29% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: MUA -46.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MUA and VTI?
MUA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUA and VTI?
MUA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2952 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUA or VTI?
MUA yields 5.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MUA 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.