MSTQ vs VYM
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $37M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.48% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.92% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.46% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MSTQ vs VYM Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is a ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.92% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 15.48% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +16.46% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, MSTQ has the edge at +11.75% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 0.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MSTQ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 561 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 VYM?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $151 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTQ or VYM?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +5.92% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MSTQ annualized +11.75% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or VYM?
MSTQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and VYM?
MSTQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTQ and VYM?
MSTQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTQ or VYM?
MSTQ yields 0.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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