MUSI vs VOO
American Century Multisector Income ETF 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 | MUSI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $255M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.48% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 419 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.71% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.57% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.61% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.01% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MUSI vs VOO Performance
American Century Multisector Income ETF (MUSI) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUSI returned +3.57% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, MUSI is up 0.71% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, MUSI compounded at +6.61% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.01% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +1.99%. 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 5.4% for MUSI. 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 -13.9% for MUSI 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUSI charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUSI currently yields 5.48% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MUSI and VOO share 1 holdings out of 654 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MUSI | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.44% | 0.36% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUSI or VOO?
MUSI has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUSI or VOO?
Over the past year MUSI returned +3.57% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MUSI annualized +1.99% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUSI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.4% for MUSI. Worst drawdown: MUSI -13.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MUSI and VOO?
MUSI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUSI and VOO?
MUSI and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUSI or VOO?
MUSI yields 5.48% while VOO yields 1.08%, so MUSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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