MMMA vs. MUNB

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

MMMA (NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF) and MUNB (Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MMMA charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for MUNB.

Performance

MMMA vs. MUNB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA) and Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMMA achieves a 3.03% return, which is significantly higher than MUNB's 0.68% return.

MMMA

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 3.03%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MUNB

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MMMA vs. MUNB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	3.03%	0.33%
MUNB Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	0.68%	0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between MMMA and MUNB is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2025	0.62

Return for Risk

MMMA vs. MUNB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA) and Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MMMA	MUNB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.79	1.71	+0.08

Drawdowns

MMMA vs. MUNB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMMA drawdown since its inception was -2.79%, which is greater than MUNB's maximum drawdown of -2.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMMA and MUNB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMMA	MUNB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.79%	-2.49%	-0.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.13%	+0.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-0.58%	-0.02%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MMMA	MUNB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.15%	1.93%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.15%	1.93%	+2.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.15%	1.93%	+2.22%

MMMA vs. MUNB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMMA has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than MUNB's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMMA vs. MUNB - Dividend Comparison

MMMA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%, more than MUNB's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	1.96%	0.17%
MUNB Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	1.80%	0.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMMA and MUNB in my portfolio?

MMMA and MUNB have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MMMA or MUNB?

On fees, MUNB is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MMMA or MUNB?

MUNB is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for MMMA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MMMA or MUNB?

MMMA has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.80% for MUNB.

What is the main difference between MMMA and MUNB?

They also come from different issuers: NYLI and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MMMA and 0.18% for MUNB.