MUSI vs VYM
American Century Multisector Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MUSI or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUSI | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $262M | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.49% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | 419 | 608 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4%Best | 13.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5.2 years | $10,894 | $17,886Best |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 33 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. MUSI has data through Sep 11, 2026 and VYM through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 5.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5.2 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.65. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUSI charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUSI currently yields 5.49% against 2.37% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.0% of VYM's money is in holdings MUSI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for MUSI, our book for it covers 40.9% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VYM and MUSI share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, MUSI as of Jun 30, 2026 and VYM as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
2 positions in common, counted across the 150 positions we hold weights for in MUSI and 602 in VYM, against full books of 419 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MUSI and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUSI or VYM?
MUSI has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MUSI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.4% for MUSI. Worst drawdown: MUSI -13.9% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both MUSI and VYM?
MUSI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between MUSI and VYM?
At least 2.0% of VYM's money is in holdings MUSI also owns. Our book for MUSI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 150 positions we hold weights for in MUSI and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUSI or VYM?
MUSI yields 5.49% while VYM yields 2.37%, so MUSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MUSI?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.