MSTB vs. MAXJ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSTB (LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF) and MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. MSTB is passively managed, while MAXJ is actively managed. Over the past year, MSTB returned 20.33% vs 9.25% for MAXJ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSTB charges 1.40%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MAXJ.

Performance

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTB achieves a 8.71% return, which is significantly higher than MAXJ's 2.88% return.

MSTB

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 20.33%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 8.55%
• 10Y*: —

MAXJ

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 2.88%
• 6M: 3.34%
• 1Y: 9.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	8.71%	18.57%	4.78%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	2.88%	8.97%	4.55%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTB and MAXJ is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2024	0.74

The correlation between MSTB and MAXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSTB vs. MAXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTB

MSTB Risk / Return Rank: 56
MSTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
MSTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
MSTB Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
MSTB Martin Ratio Rank: 55

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 93
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). 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.

	MSTB	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	3.19	-1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	5.25	-2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.76	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	5.45	-2.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.32	30.88	-21.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTB Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is lower than the MAXJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTB and MAXJ, 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

	MSTB	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	3.19	-1.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	1.64	-0.81

Drawdowns

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTB drawdown since its inception was -25.64%, which is greater than MAXJ's maximum drawdown of -6.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTB and MAXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTB	MAXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.64%	-6.35%	-19.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.31%	-1.70%	-6.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	0.00%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-0.56%	-6.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	0.30%	+1.89%

Volatility

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Volatility Comparison

LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) has a higher volatility of 2.56% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) at 0.30%. This indicates that MSTB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MAXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTB	MAXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.56%	0.30%	+2.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.43%	1.93%	+5.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.21%	2.93%	+7.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.97%	5.28%	+8.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.84%	5.28%	+8.56%

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTB has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than MAXJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTB vs. MAXJ - Dividend Comparison

MSTB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than MAXJ's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.95%	0.16%	1.34%	2.20%	1.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTB and MAXJ in my portfolio?

MSTB and MAXJ have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSTB or MAXJ?

MSTB has higher volatility (2.56%) compared to MAXJ (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTB dropped -25.64% vs MAXJ's -6.35%.

Which ETF is better, MSTB or MAXJ?

On 1-year performance, MSTB leads with 20.33% vs 9.25% for MAXJ. On fees, MAXJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, MAXJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTB or MAXJ?

Over the 1-year period, MSTB has performed better with a 20.33% return vs 9.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTB or MAXJ?

MAXJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.40% for MSTB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSTB or MAXJ?

MAXJ has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.38% for MSTB.

What is the main difference between MSTB and MAXJ?

They also come from different issuers: Little Harbor Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.40% for MSTB and 0.50% for MAXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.19 vs 2.00), 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.