MSTB vs VXUS
MSTB vs VXUS
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $192M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.22% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.36% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.60% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.12% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MSTB vs VXUS Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTB returned +17.36% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MSTB is up 11.22% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MSTB compounded at +17.60% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.12% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, MSTB has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTB charges 1.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $5 annually, a gap of $133 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTB currently yields 0.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MSTB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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 VXUS?
MSTB has an expense ratio of 1.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $133 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTB or VXUS?
Over the past year MSTB returned +17.36% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSTB annualized +11.39% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.2% for MSTB. Worst drawdown: MSTB -25.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MSTB and VXUS?
MSTB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTB and VXUS?
MSTB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTB or VXUS?
MSTB yields 0.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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