MSFO vs ZALT
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy ETF vs Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
Which is better, MSFO or ZALT?
Each has led over a different period.
ZALT has a lower expense ratio. MSFO led over 3Y and the full window, ZALT over 1Y.
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 | MSFO | ZALT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.69%Best |
| AUM | $87M | $794M |
| Dividend Yield | 38.50% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 30 | 18 |
| YTD Return | +10.80%Best | +6.44% |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +9.12%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.27%Best | +10.33% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 3.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -8.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $16,222Best | $13,518 |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2023 | Oct 2, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 2, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3 years).
MSFO vs ZALT 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 3 years both funds cover.
MSFO vs ZALT Performance
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy ETF (MSFO) is an ETF from YieldMax ETF and Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year MSFO returned +4.00% while ZALT returned +9.12%. Year to date, MSFO is up 10.80% versus a gain of 6.44% for ZALT.
Over three years, MSFO compounded at +16.27% per year against +10.33% for ZALT.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% compared with 3.8% for ZALT. 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 -29.6% for MSFO and -8.2% for ZALT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSFO charges 1.03% per year while ZALT charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $69 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSFO currently yields 38.50% against 0.00% for ZALT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSFO and ZALT 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, MSFO or ZALT?
MSFO has an expense ratio of 1.03% while ZALT charges 0.69%. ZALT is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSFO or ZALT?
Over the past year MSFO returned +4.00% vs +9.12% for ZALT, so ZALT leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSFO or ZALT?
MSFO has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 3.8% for ZALT. Worst drawdown: MSFO -29.6% vs ZALT -8.2%.
Should I hold both MSFO and ZALT?
MSFO and ZALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, 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, MSFO or ZALT?
MSFO yields 38.50% while ZALT yields 0.00%, so MSFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZALT better than MSFO?
ZALT has a lower expense ratio. MSFO led over 3Y and the full window, ZALT over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.