MSTQ vs VYM
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MSTQ or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM 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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $39M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 8 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +11.40% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.63% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.75% | +17.99%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $15,762 | $16,807Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
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 VYM 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 VYM Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.63% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 11.40% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +14.75% per year against +17.99% for VYM.
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 13.9% for VYM. 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 -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $155 vs $4 annually, a gap of $151 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTQ currently yields 0.79% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTQ and 603 in VYM, totalling 88.8% and 99.5% 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 VYM 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 603 in VYM, against full books of 8 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTQ and VYM 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 VYM?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $151 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VYM?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.63% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VYM?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 13.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VYM?
MSTQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, 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 VYM?
MSTQ yields 0.79% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MSTQ?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM 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.