MUNA vs. MMMA

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

MUNA (Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF) and MMMA (NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MUNA charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for MMMA.

Performance

MUNA vs. MMMA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) and NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUNA achieves a 1.59% return, which is significantly lower than MMMA's 3.03% return.

MUNA

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MMMA

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

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

MUNA vs. MMMA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MUNA Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	1.59%	0.16%
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	3.03%	0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between MUNA and MMMA is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2025	0.50

Return for Risk

MUNA vs. MMMA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) and NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF (MMMA). 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

	MUNA	MMMA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.63	1.79	-0.16

Drawdowns

MUNA vs. MMMA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUNA drawdown since its inception was -0.91%, smaller than the maximum MMMA drawdown of -2.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUNA and MMMA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUNA	MMMA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-2.79%	+1.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-0.27%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.28%	-0.60%	+0.32%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MUNA	MMMA	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.73%	4.15%	-2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.73%	4.15%	-2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.73%	4.15%	-2.42%

MUNA vs. MMMA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUNA has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than MMMA's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUNA vs. MMMA - Dividend Comparison

MUNA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, less than MMMA's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MMMA NYLI MacKay Muni Allocation ETF	1.96%	0.17%
MUNA Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF	1.66%	0.76%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUNA and MMMA in my portfolio?

MUNA and MMMA have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MUNA or MMMA?

On fees, MUNA 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, MUNA or MMMA?

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

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

MMMA has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 1.66% for MUNA.

What is the main difference between MUNA and MMMA?

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