MUB vs VXUS
MUB vs VXUS
iShares National Muni Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $45.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6,825 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.38% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.81% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.05% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.61% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUB vs VXUS Performance
iShares National Muni Bond ETF (MUB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUB returned +4.81% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUB is up 0.38% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MUB compounded at +3.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.61% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 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 -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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUB charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, MUB currently yields 3.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8735 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 VXUS?
MUB has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUB or VXUS?
Over the past year MUB returned +4.81% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUB annualized +0.99% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.4% for MUB. Worst drawdown: MUB -14.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUB and VXUS?
MUB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUB and VXUS?
MUB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8735 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUB or VXUS?
MUB yields 3.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MUB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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