MUNA vs VXUS
MUNA vs VXUS
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF 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 | MUNA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $9M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.92% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.53% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUNA vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.92% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNA charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNA currently yields 1.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUNA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 VXUS?
MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNA or VXUS?
Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUNA and VXUS?
MUNA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and VXUS?
MUNA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or VXUS?
MUNA yields 1.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.