MSTQ vs VXUS
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MSTQ or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $39M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +11.40% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.63% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.75% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.82% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -24.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $15,762 | $17,498Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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 10, 2026 (4.5 years).
MSTQ vs VXUS 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 VXUS Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.63% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 11.40% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +14.75% per year against +19.44% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 15.5% 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 -24.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
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 0.79% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTQ and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 88.8% and 87.7% 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, MSTQ as of Aug 21, 2026 and VXUS 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 MSTQ and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 8 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTQ and VXUS 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 VXUS?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $150 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VXUS?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.63% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VXUS?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VXUS -24.1%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VXUS?
MSTQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, 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 VXUS?
MSTQ yields 0.79% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MSTQ?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.