IVV vs MSTQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF
Which is better, IVV or MSTQ?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | IVV | MSTQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 1.55% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $39M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.79% |
| Holdings | 508 | 8 |
| YTD Return | +11.57%Best | +11.40% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | +1.63% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71%Best | +14.75% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8%Best | 20.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.1%Best | -31.1% |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $18,985Best | $15,762 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Little Harbor Advisors |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 14, 2022 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 15, 2022 to Sep 10, 2026 (4.5 years).
IVV vs MSTQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
IVV vs MSTQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while MSTQ returned +1.63%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.57% versus a gain of 11.40% for MSTQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.71% per year against +14.75% for MSTQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 15.8% for IVV. 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 -22.1% for IVV and -31.1% for MSTQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MSTQ charges 1.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $155 annually, a gap of $152 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.79% for MSTQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 3 in MSTQ, totalling 100.0% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 3 in MSTQ, against full books of 508 and 8.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and MSTQ 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, IVV or MSTQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MSTQ charges 1.55%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $152 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or MSTQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs +1.63% for MSTQ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or MSTQ?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.8% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -22.1% vs MSTQ -31.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and MSTQ?
IVV and MSTQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MSTQ?
IVV yields 1.06% while MSTQ yields 0.79%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MSTQ better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.