MUB vs VOO
iShares National Muni Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. MUB offers more diversification with 874 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $45.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6,825 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.37% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.73% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.12% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.62% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MUB vs VOO Performance
iShares National Muni Bond ETF (MUB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUB returned +4.73% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MUB is up 0.37% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MUB compounded at +3.12% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.62% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 5.4% for MUB. 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 -14.1% for MUB 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUB charges 0.05% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUB currently yields 3.16% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MUB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1379 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, MUB or VOO?
MUB has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUB or VOO?
Over the past year MUB returned +4.73% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUB annualized +0.99% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUB or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.4% for MUB. Worst drawdown: MUB -14.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MUB and VOO?
MUB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUB and VOO?
MUB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1379 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUB or VOO?
MUB yields 3.16% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MUB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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