MUA vs VXUS
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.67% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $562M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.27% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.15% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUA vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUA returned +4.27% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUA is down 0.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MUA compounded at +7.15% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUA charges 1.67% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $167 vs $5 annually, a gap of $162 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUA currently yields 5.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8026 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 VXUS?
MUA has an expense ratio of 1.67% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $162 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUA or VXUS?
Over the past year MUA returned +4.27% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUA annualized +0.35% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: MUA -46.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUA and VXUS?
MUA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUA and VXUS?
MUA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8026 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUA or VXUS?
MUA yields 5.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MUA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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