MUNI vs VTI
PIMCO Intermediate Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUNI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 580 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.51% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.20% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.04% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
MUNI vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Intermediate Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MUNI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNI returned +4.20% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, MUNI is up 0.51% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, MUNI compounded at +3.62% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.04% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.9% for MUNI. 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 -11.2% for MUNI and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNI charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNI currently yields 3.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MUNI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3162 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, MUNI or VTI?
MUNI has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNI or VTI?
Over the past year MUNI returned +4.20% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), MUNI annualized +1.12% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.9% for MUNI. Worst drawdown: MUNI -11.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MUNI and VTI?
MUNI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNI and VTI?
MUNI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNI or VTI?
MUNI yields 3.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MUNI 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.