MSTQ vs VXUS
LHA Market State Tactical Q 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 | MSTQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $37M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.21% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.01% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.72% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MSTQ vs VXUS Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.01% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 13.21% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +15.72% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MSTQ has the edge at +11.26% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $155 vs $5 annually, a gap of $150 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTQ currently yields 0.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MSTQ 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, MSTQ or VXUS?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $150 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VXUS?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.01% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MSTQ annualized +11.26% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VXUS?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VXUS?
MSTQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTQ and VXUS?
MSTQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTQ or VXUS?
MSTQ yields 0.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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