DECW vs. MSTQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DECW (Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF) and MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DECW returned 11.17%/yr vs 24.11%/yr for MSTQ. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DECW charges 0.74%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MSTQ.

Performance

DECW vs. MSTQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) 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, DECW achieves a 4.89% return, which is significantly lower than MSTQ's 17.40% return.

DECW

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 4.89%
• 6M: 5.29%
• 1Y: 15.29%
• 3Y*: 11.17%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSTQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 9.02%
• YTD: 17.40%
• 6M: 15.69%
• 1Y: 31.81%
• 3Y*: 24.11%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DECW vs. MSTQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	4.89%	11.57%	8.64%	16.16%	-2.77%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	17.40%	20.57%	19.58%	43.10%	-9.54%

Correlation

The correlation between DECW and MSTQ is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2022	0.80

The correlation between DECW and MSTQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

DECW vs. MSTQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DECW	MSTQ
Technology	36.2%	54.0%
Financial Services	11.9%	0.2%
Communication Services	10.9%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	8.4%	4.2%
Industrials	8.1%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	7.6%
Energy	3.5%	0.6%
Utilities	2.3%	1.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.1%

Return for Risk

DECW vs. MSTQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DECW

DECW Risk / Return Rank: 86
DECW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DECW Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
DECW Omega Ratio Rank: 89
DECW Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
DECW Martin Ratio Rank: 90

MSTQ

MSTQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
MSTQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
MSTQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
MSTQ Omega Ratio Rank: 64
MSTQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
MSTQ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

DECW vs. MSTQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) 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.

	DECW	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	2.23	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.12	2.97	+1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.39	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.98	2.58	+1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.30	8.04	+12.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DECW vs. MSTQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DECW Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is comparable to the MSTQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DECW 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

	DECW	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.75	2.23	+0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.54	0.87	+0.67

Drawdowns

DECW vs. MSTQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DECW drawdown since its inception was -8.76%, smaller than the maximum MSTQ drawdown of -31.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DECW and MSTQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DECW	MSTQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-31.05%	+22.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.86%	-12.39%	+8.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.76%	-15.22%	+6.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.21%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-8.62%	+7.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	3.97%	-3.22%

Volatility

DECW vs. MSTQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is 0.77%, while LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a volatility of 4.25%. This indicates that DECW 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

	DECW	MSTQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	4.25%	-3.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.97%	10.58%	-6.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.58%	14.35%	-8.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.11%	18.85%	-11.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.11%	18.85%	-11.74%

DECW vs. MSTQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DECW has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTQ's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DECW vs. MSTQ - Dividend Comparison

DECW has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MSTQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.90%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
DECW Allianzim U.S. Large Cap Buffer20 Dec ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.17%	0.00%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	11.90%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DECW and MSTQ in my portfolio?

DECW and MSTQ have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DECW or MSTQ?

MSTQ has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to DECW (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DECW dropped -8.76% vs MSTQ's -31.05%.

Which ETF is better, DECW or MSTQ?

On 3-year performance, MSTQ leads with 24.11% vs 11.17% for DECW. On fees, DECW is cheaper at 0.74% per year. On volatility, DECW has been the lower-risk option at 0.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DECW or MSTQ?

Over the 3-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 24.11% return vs 11.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DECW or MSTQ?

DECW is cheaper with a 0.74% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

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

MSTQ has the higher dividend yield at 11.90%, compared with 0.00% for DECW.

What is the main difference between DECW and MSTQ?

They also come from different issuers: Allianz and Little Harbor Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for DECW and 1.59% for MSTQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DECW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 2.23), 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.