MUS vs VXUS
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. 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 | MUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $181M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MUS vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MUS is down 1.56% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MUS compounded at +5.89% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, MUS has the edge at +8.27% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 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 -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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUS charges 1.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $5 annually, a gap of $145 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUS currently yields 0.78% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUS or VXUS?
MUS has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $145 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUS or VXUS?
Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MUS annualized +8.27% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: MUS -41.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MUS and VXUS?
MUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUS or VXUS?
MUS yields 0.78% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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