MUNI vs VXUS
MUNI vs VXUS
PIMCO Intermediate Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | MUNI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.28% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 580 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.60% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.45% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.66% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.05% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUNI vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Intermediate Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MUNI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNI returned +4.45% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUNI is up 0.60% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MUNI compounded at +3.66% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.05% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNI charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNI currently yields 3.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MUNI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8240 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 VXUS?
MUNI has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNI or VXUS?
Over the past year MUNI returned +4.45% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUNI annualized +1.13% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.9% for MUNI. Worst drawdown: MUNI -11.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUNI and VXUS?
MUNI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNI and VXUS?
MUNI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8240 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNI or VXUS?
MUNI yields 3.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MUNI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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