MSTQ vs QQQ
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, MSTQ or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
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 | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.59% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $41M | $506.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 0.42% |
| Holdings | 14 | 321 |
| YTD Return | +14.60% | +19.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.29% | +22.47%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.80% | +26.18%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.42% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4%Best | 20.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -29.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.6 years | $16,229 | $22,930Best |
| Fund Family | Little Harbor Advisors | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 15, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.6 years).
MSTQ vs QQQ 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 4.6 years both funds cover.
MSTQ vs QQQ Performance
LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.29% while QQQ returned +22.47%. Year to date, MSTQ is up 14.60% versus a gain of 19.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, MSTQ compounded at +16.80% per year against +26.18% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 20.4% for MSTQ. 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 -29.6% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTQ charges 1.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $159 vs $18 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTQ currently yields 0.73% against 0.42% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in MSTQ and 101 in QQQ, totalling 88.8% and 99.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in MSTQ and 101 in QQQ, against full books of 14 and 321.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSTQ and QQQ 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 QQQ?
MSTQ has an expense ratio of 1.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $141 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSTQ or QQQ?
Over the past year MSTQ returned +1.29% vs +22.47% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSTQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 20.4% for MSTQ. Worst drawdown: MSTQ -31.1% vs QQQ -29.6%.
Should I hold both MSTQ and QQQ?
MSTQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTQ or QQQ?
MSTQ yields 0.73% while QQQ yields 0.42%, so MSTQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than MSTQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.