MSTB vs VYM
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MSTB or VYM?
Tactical Allocation against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $196M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 10 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +13.75%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.87% | +19.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.51% | +18.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.46% | +12.17%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 13.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,330 | $17,758Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Tactical Allocation | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
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 9, 2026 (5.9 years).
MSTB vs VYM 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 5.9 years both funds cover.
MSTB vs VYM Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTB returned +12.87% while VYM returned +19.42%. Year to date, MSTB is up 9.56% versus a gain of 13.75% for VYM.
Over three years, MSTB compounded at +17.51% per year against +18.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.46% and +12.17% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +15.53% annualized vs +10.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.8% for VYM. 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 -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTB charges 1.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $4 annually, a gap of $134 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTB currently yields 0.37% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTB and 603 in VYM, totalling 89.7% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 52 days apart, MSTB as of Aug 21, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in MSTB and 603 in VYM, against full books of 10 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTB and VYM 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 VYM?
MSTB has an expense ratio of 1.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $134 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTB or VYM?
Over the past year MSTB returned +12.87% vs +19.42% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSTB annualized +10.93% vs +15.53% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTB or VYM?
MSTB has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSTB -25.6% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both MSTB and VYM?
MSTB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTB or VYM?
MSTB yields 0.37% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MSTB?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.