MSTQ vs VOO
LHA Market State Tactical Q 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.26% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.55% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MSTQ vs VOO Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.65% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 15.26% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +16.55% per year against +22.19% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +11.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -31.1% for MSTQ 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $155 vs $3 annually, a gap of $152 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTQ currently yields 0.79% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MSTQ 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, MSTQ or VOO?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $152 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VOO?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.65% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MSTQ annualized +11.69% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VOO?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VOO?
MSTQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTQ and VOO?
MSTQ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTQ or VOO?
MSTQ yields 0.79% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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