MUNB 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

MetricMUNBVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.03%
AUM$14M$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.79%1.09%
Holdings231509
YTD Return+0.22%+13.80%
1Y Return+2.17%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)3.3%14.1%
Max Drawdown-2.5%-34.3%
Fund FamilyNorthern Trust Asset ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 1, 2025Sep 7, 2010

MUNB vs VOO Performance

Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) 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 MUNB returned +2.17% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MUNB is up 0.22% 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 3.3% for MUNB. 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 -2.5% for MUNB 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MUNB 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, MUNB currently yields 1.79% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MUNB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 524 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, MUNB or VOO?

MUNB 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, MUNB or VOO?

Over the past year MUNB returned +2.17% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MUNB or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.3% for MUNB. Worst drawdown: MUNB -2.5% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both MUNB and VOO?

MUNB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MUNB and VOO?

MUNB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MUNB or VOO?

MUNB yields 1.79% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MUNB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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