MUNA vs VYM
MUNA vs VYM
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUNA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.92% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.53% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MUNA vs VYM Performance
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.92% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNA charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNA currently yields 1.66% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MUNA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 567 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 VYM?
MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNA or VYM?
Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MUNA and VYM?
MUNA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and VYM?
MUNA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or VYM?
MUNA yields 1.66% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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