MSTQ vs SCHD
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $37M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.48% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.92% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.46% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MSTQ vs SCHD Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.92% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 15.48% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +16.46% per year against +15.73% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, MSTQ has the edge at +11.75% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -31.1% for MSTQ and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.55% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $155 vs $6 annually, a gap of $149 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTQ currently yields 0.73% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MSTQ and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 103 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, MSTQ or SCHD?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $149 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTQ or SCHD?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.92% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MSTQ annualized +11.75% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or SCHD?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and SCHD?
MSTQ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTQ and SCHD?
MSTQ and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTQ or SCHD?
MSTQ yields 0.73% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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