MUNB vs VXUS
MUNB vs VXUS
Northern Trust 2035 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 | MUNB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 231 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.17% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUNB vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) 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 MUNB returned +2.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUNB is up 0.22% 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 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 -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 0.91. 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 1.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUNB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7880 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 VXUS?
MUNB 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, MUNB or VXUS?
Over the past year MUNB returned +2.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.3% for MUNB. Worst drawdown: MUNB -2.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUNB and VXUS?
MUNB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNB and VXUS?
MUNB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNB or VXUS?
MUNB yields 1.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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