MUNB vs VXUS
Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MUNB or VXUS?
Long Term Municipal Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUNB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $14M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 253 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -1.02% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.78% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4%Best | 13.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -2.8%Best | -11.3% |
| $10,000 over 1.1 years | $10,092 | $12,526Best |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Municipal Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 19, 2025 to Sep 17, 2026 (1.1 years).
MUNB vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.1 years both funds cover.
MUNB vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNB returned -0.78% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, MUNB is down 1.02% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.4% 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 -2.8% for MUNB and -11.3% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNB 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, MUNB currently yields 2.23% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 19 holdings in MUNB and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 11.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 19 positions we hold weights for in MUNB and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 253 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MUNB and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUNB or VXUS?
MUNB has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MUNB or VXUS?
Over the past year MUNB returned -0.78% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MUNB annualized +0.84% vs +22.72% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MUNB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.4% for MUNB. Worst drawdown: MUNB -2.8% vs VXUS -11.3%.
Should I hold both MUNB and VXUS?
MUNB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNB or VXUS?
MUNB yields 2.23% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MUNB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.