MSTB vs QQQ
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, MSTB or QQQ?
Tactical Allocation against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
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 | MSTB | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $196M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +9.67% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.44% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.91% | +25.63%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.17% | +15.24%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1%Best | 20.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,809 | $20,324Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Tactical Allocation | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 30, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (6 years).
MSTB vs QQQ 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 6 years both funds cover.
MSTB vs QQQ Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MSTB returned +11.44% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, MSTB is up 9.67% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, MSTB compounded at +17.91% per year against +25.63% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.17% and +15.24% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +17.98% annualized vs +10.90%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 14.1% for MSTB. 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 -25.6% for MSTB and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTB charges 1.38% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $18 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTB currently yields 0.37% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTB and 102 in QQQ, totalling 89.7% and 99.9% 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 3 positions we hold weights for in MSTB and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 10 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTB and QQQ 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, MSTB or QQQ?
MSTB has an expense ratio of 1.38% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $120 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTB or QQQ?
Over the past year MSTB returned +11.44% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSTB annualized +10.90% vs +17.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for MSTB. Worst drawdown: MSTB -25.6% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both MSTB and QQQ?
MSTB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTB or QQQ?
MSTB yields 0.37% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than MSTB?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.