MUNY vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMUNYVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.03%
AUM$447M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.11%1.07%
Holdings3,0163,543
YTD Return-1.09%+14.22%
1Y Return+2.96%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)4.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-3.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionMay 20, 2025May 24, 2001

MUNY vs VTI Performance

Vanguard New York Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (MUNY) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUNY returned +2.96% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MUNY is down 1.09% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.3% for MUNY. 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 -3.2% for MUNY 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MUNY charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNY currently yields 3.11% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MUNY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3133 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, MUNY or VTI?

MUNY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MUNY or VTI?

Over the past year MUNY returned +2.96% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MUNY annualized +3.48% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MUNY or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.3% for MUNY. Worst drawdown: MUNY -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both MUNY and VTI?

MUNY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MUNY and VTI?

MUNY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3133 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MUNY or VTI?

MUNY yields 3.11% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MUNY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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