MUS vs SPY
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $181M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 1998 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MUS vs SPY Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, MUS is down 1.56% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, MUS compounded at +5.89% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.2% for MUS. 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 -41.3% for MUS and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUS charges 1.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $9 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUS currently yields 0.78% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUS or SPY?
MUS has an expense ratio of 1.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $141 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUS or SPY?
Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), MUS annualized +8.27% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: MUS -41.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MUS and SPY?
MUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUS or SPY?
MUS yields 0.78% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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