MMU vs VTI
MMU vs VTI
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MMU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $587M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 427 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.40% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.64% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.58% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.67% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 1992 | May 24, 2001 |
MMU vs VTI Performance
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund Inc. (MMU) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MMU returned +7.64% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, MMU is down 0.40% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MMU compounded at +6.58% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.67% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +0.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 11.1% for MMU. 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 -41.0% for MMU 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMU charges 1.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $3 annually, a gap of $131 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMU currently yields 5.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MMU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3004 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MMU or VTI?
MMU has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $131 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MMU or VTI?
Over the past year MMU returned +7.64% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), MMU annualized +0.28% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 11.1% for MMU. Worst drawdown: MMU -41.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MMU and VTI?
MMU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MMU and VTI?
MMU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3004 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMU or VTI?
MMU yields 5.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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