MUS vs VOO
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $181M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MUS vs VOO Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, MUS is down 1.56% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, MUS compounded at +5.89% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUS charges 1.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $3 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUS currently yields 0.78% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUS or VOO?
MUS has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUS or VOO?
Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUS annualized +8.27% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: MUS -41.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MUS and VOO?
MUS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUS or VOO?
MUS yields 0.78% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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