MSTB vs VOO
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $192M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.85% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.71% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.58% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.99% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MSTB vs VOO Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTB returned +16.71% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MSTB is up 10.85% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MSTB compounded at +17.58% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.99% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.96. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $3 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTB currently yields 0.38% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MSTB and VOO 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, MSTB or VOO?
MSTB has an expense ratio of 1.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTB or VOO?
Over the past year MSTB returned +16.71% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSTB annualized +11.31% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTB or VOO?
MSTB has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MSTB -25.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MSTB and VOO?
MSTB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTB and VOO?
MSTB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTB or VOO?
MSTB yields 0.38% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.