MUS vs VTI
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $181M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 1998 | May 24, 2001 |
MUS vs VTI Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MUS is down 1.56% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MUS compounded at +5.89% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, MUS has the edge at +8.27% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 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 -56.6% 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUS charges 1.50% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUS or VTI?
MUS has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUS or VTI?
Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), MUS annualized +8.27% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: MUS -41.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MUS and VTI?
MUS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUS or VTI?
MUS yields 0.78% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.