IVV vs MSTQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MSTQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.55% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $41M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +11.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +5.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +15.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -31.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Little Harbor Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 14, 2022 |
IVV vs MSTQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while MSTQ returned +5.12%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 11.93% for MSTQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +15.67% for MSTQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, MSTQ has the edge at +10.91% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 15.1% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -31.1% for MSTQ. 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 0.85. 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 1.10% against 0.79% for MSTQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MSTQ share 0 holdings out of 508 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, IVV or MSTQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MSTQ charges 1.55%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $152 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MSTQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +5.12% for MSTQ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +10.91% for MSTQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MSTQ?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MSTQ -31.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and MSTQ?
IVV and MSTQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MSTQ?
IVV and MSTQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MSTQ?
IVV yields 1.10% while MSTQ yields 0.79%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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