MUJ vs VXUS
MUJ vs VXUS
BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality 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 | MUJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.77% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $657M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.10% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 242 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.16% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.27% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.19% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUJ vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc (MUJ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUJ returned +18.27% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUJ is up 6.16% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MUJ compounded at +9.32% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.19% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.26%. 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 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 -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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUJ charges 1.77% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $5 annually, a gap of $172 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUJ currently yields 5.10% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUJ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7908 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 VXUS?
MUJ has an expense ratio of 1.77% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $172 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUJ or VXUS?
Over the past year MUJ returned +18.27% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUJ annualized +0.26% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUJ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for MUJ. Worst drawdown: MUJ -47.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUJ and VXUS?
MUJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUJ and VXUS?
MUJ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUJ or VXUS?
MUJ yields 5.10% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MUJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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