MUNA vs VOO

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

MetricMUNAVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.03%
AUM$9M$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.66%1.09%
Holdings143509
YTD Return+0.92%+13.80%
1Y Return+1.53%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)1.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilyNorthern Trust Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 28, 2025Sep 7, 2010

MUNA vs VOO Performance

Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.92% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 1.2% for MUNA. 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 -1.4% for MUNA 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MUNA charges 0.18% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNA currently yields 1.66% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MUNA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 514 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, MUNA or VOO?

MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MUNA or VOO?

Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MUNA or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both MUNA and VOO?

MUNA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and VOO?

MUNA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or VOO?

MUNA yields 1.66% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MUNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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