MUA vs VYM
BlackRock MuniAssets 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 | MUA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.67% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $564M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.99% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.89% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.87% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.23% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 1993 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MUA vs VYM Performance
BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc (MUA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUA returned +2.89% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, MUA is down 0.72% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, MUA compounded at +6.87% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.23% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.34%. 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 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 -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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUA charges 1.67% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $167 vs $4 annually, a gap of $163 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUA currently yields 5.99% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MUA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 768 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 VYM?
MUA has an expense ratio of 1.67% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $163 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUA or VYM?
Over the past year MUA returned +2.89% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MUA annualized +0.34% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for MUA. Worst drawdown: MUA -46.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MUA and VYM?
MUA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUA and VYM?
MUA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 768 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUA or VYM?
MUA yields 5.99% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MUA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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