MSTQ vs VTI
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MSTQ or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | MSTQ | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $39M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +13.45%Best | +12.30% |
| 1Y Return | +1.06% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.10% | +21.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 16.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -22.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $16,020 | $18,639Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 15, 2022 to Sep 18, 2026 (4.5 years).
MSTQ vs VTI 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 4.5 years both funds cover.
MSTQ vs VTI Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.06% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 13.45% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +16.10% per year against +21.01% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% compared with 16.0% for VTI. 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 -22.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.55% per year while VTI 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 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTQ and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 88.7% and 98.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in MSTQ and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 8 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTQ and VTI 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, MSTQ or VTI?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $152 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VTI?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.06% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VTI?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 16.0% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VTI -22.4%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VTI?
MSTQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, 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, MSTQ or VTI?
MSTQ yields 0.79% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MSTQ?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.