MSTB vs VTI
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $192M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.15% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.99% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.67% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.96% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
MSTB vs VTI Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTB returned +15.99% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MSTB is up 11.15% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, MSTB compounded at +17.67% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.96% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, MSTB has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MSTB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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 VTI?
MSTB has an expense ratio of 1.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTB or VTI?
Over the past year MSTB returned +15.99% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSTB annualized +11.36% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for MSTB. Worst drawdown: MSTB -25.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MSTB and VTI?
MSTB and VTI 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 VTI?
MSTB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTB or VTI?
MSTB yields 0.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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