BUFC vs. MSTQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BUFC (AB Conservative Buffer ETF) and MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUFC returned 8.73% vs 33.28% for MSTQ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFC charges 0.69%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MSTQ.

Performance

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) and LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUFC achieves a 2.82% return, which is significantly lower than MSTQ's 17.64% return.

BUFC

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 2.82%
• 6M: 3.33%
• 1Y: 8.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSTQ

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 8.99%
• YTD: 17.64%
• 6M: 16.18%
• 1Y: 33.28%
• 3Y*: 24.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUFC AB Conservative Buffer ETF	2.82%	5.50%	10.81%	0.47%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	17.64%	20.57%	19.58%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFC and MSTQ is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2023	0.69

The correlation between BUFC and MSTQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUFC	MSTQ
Technology	33.6%	54.0%
Financial Services	12.5%	0.2%
Communication Services	10.5%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	9.6%	4.2%
Industrials	8.6%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	7.6%
Energy	3.4%	0.6%
Utilities	2.5%	1.4%
Real Estate	2.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.1%

Return for Risk

BUFC vs. MSTQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUFC

BUFC Risk / Return Rank: 58
BUFC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BUFC Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
BUFC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
BUFC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
BUFC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

MSTQ

MSTQ Risk / Return Rank: 61
MSTQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
MSTQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MSTQ Omega Ratio Rank: 65
MSTQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
MSTQ Martin Ratio Rank: 50

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) and LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	BUFC	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	2.33	-0.27
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	3.08	-0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.40	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.74	-0.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	8.57	+1.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUFC Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is comparable to the MSTQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUFC and MSTQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFC	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	2.33	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.42	0.88	+0.54

Drawdowns

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFC drawdown since its inception was -8.29%, smaller than the maximum MSTQ drawdown of -31.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFC and MSTQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFC	MSTQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.29%	-31.05%	+22.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.62%	-12.39%	+8.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	0.00%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.76%	-8.63%	+7.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	3.97%	-3.12%

Volatility

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Conservative Buffer ETF (BUFC) is 1.04%, while LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a volatility of 4.25%. This indicates that BUFC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUFC	MSTQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	4.25%	-3.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.36%	10.59%	-7.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.25%	14.35%	-10.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.64%	18.86%	-13.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.64%	18.86%	-13.22%

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFC has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTQ's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFC vs. MSTQ - Dividend Comparison

BUFC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MSTQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.87%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BUFC AB Conservative Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	11.87%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUFC and MSTQ in my portfolio?

BUFC and MSTQ have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUFC or MSTQ?

MSTQ has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to BUFC (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUFC dropped -8.29% vs MSTQ's -31.05%.

Which ETF is better, BUFC or MSTQ?

On 1-year performance, MSTQ leads with 33.28% vs 8.73% for BUFC. On fees, BUFC is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, BUFC has been the lower-risk option at 1.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUFC or MSTQ?

Over the 1-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 33.28% return vs 8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFC or MSTQ?

BUFC is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUFC or MSTQ?

MSTQ has the higher dividend yield at 11.87%, compared with 0.00% for BUFC.

What is the main difference between BUFC and MSTQ?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Little Harbor Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFC and 1.59% for MSTQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSTQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.06), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.