MUNA vs VTI
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUNA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.93% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.54% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
MUNA vs VTI Performance
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNA returned +1.54% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.93% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNA charges 0.18% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MUNA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2792 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 VTI?
MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNA or VTI?
Over the past year MUNA returned +1.54% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MUNA and VTI?
MUNA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and VTI?
MUNA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or VTI?
MUNA yields 1.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MUNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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