Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMUJVOOWinner
Expense Ratio1.77%0.03%
AUM$657M$979.0B
Dividend Yield5.10%1.09%
Holdings242509
YTD Return+6.16%+13.80%
1Y Return+18.27%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.32%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.19%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)12.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-47.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionMar 11, 1998Sep 7, 2010

MUJ vs VOO Performance

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc (MUJ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUJ returned +18.27% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MUJ is up 6.16% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, MUJ compounded at +9.32% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.19% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +0.26%. 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 12.2% for MUJ. 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 -47.8% for MUJ 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MUJ charges 1.77% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $3 annually, a gap of $174 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUJ currently yields 5.10% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MUJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 552 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, MUJ or VOO?

MUJ has an expense ratio of 1.77% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $174 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MUJ or VOO?

Over the past year MUJ returned +18.27% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUJ annualized +0.26% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MUJ or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.2% for MUJ. Worst drawdown: MUJ -47.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both MUJ and VOO?

MUJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MUJ and VOO?

MUJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MUJ or VOO?

MUJ yields 5.10% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MUJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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