MSTB vs. VAMO

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MSTB (LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF) and VAMO (Cambria Value and Momentum ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MSTB is a Equity Hedged fund tracking the S&P 500® Index, while VAMO is a Momentum fund actively managed by Cambria. MSTB is passively managed, while VAMO is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, MSTB returned 7.75%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for VAMO. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSTB charges 1.40%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for VAMO.

Performance

MSTB vs. VAMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) and Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTB achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly lower than VAMO's 5.64% return.

MSTB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -2.61%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 4.10%
• 1Y: 15.55%
• 3Y*: 17.09%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: —

VAMO

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 21.78%
• 3Y*: 14.02%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 5.99%

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

MSTB vs. VAMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	5.36%	18.57%	18.82%	16.94%	-22.72%	21.89%	9.91%
VAMO Cambria Value and Momentum ETF	5.64%	16.51%	6.11%	5.58%	8.55%	32.16%	8.60%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTB and VAMO is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2020	0.36

Return for Risk

MSTB vs. VAMO — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTB

MSTB Risk / Return Rank: 45
MSTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MSTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MSTB Omega Ratio Rank: 46
MSTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
MSTB Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VAMO

VAMO Risk / Return Rank: 72
VAMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VAMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VAMO Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VAMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VAMO Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. VAMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) and Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MSTB	VAMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.96	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.84	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.34	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	3.94	-2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	11.32	-4.44

MSTB vs. VAMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTB Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the VAMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTB and VAMO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MSTB vs. VAMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTB drawdown since its inception was -25.64%, smaller than the maximum VAMO drawdown of -41.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTB and VAMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTB	VAMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.64%	-41.84%	+16.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.31%	-5.55%	-2.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.81%	-11.61%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.64%	-17.25%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.67%	-0.41%	-3.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.13%	-9.93%	+2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	1.93%	+0.34%

Volatility

MSTB vs. VAMO - Volatility Comparison

LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) has a higher volatility of 3.83% compared to Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO) at 2.73%. This indicates that MSTB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VAMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTB	VAMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	2.73%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.94%	7.65%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.65%	11.21%	-0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.03%	17.17%	-3.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.85%	18.10%	-4.25%

MSTB vs. VAMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTB has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VAMO's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTB vs. VAMO - Dividend Comparison

MSTB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than VAMO's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.95%	0.16%	1.34%	2.20%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VAMO Cambria Value and Momentum ETF	0.62%	1.41%	0.84%	1.35%	1.10%	1.07%	1.03%	1.15%	1.03%	0.35%	0.56%	0.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTB and VAMO in my portfolio?

MSTB and VAMO have a correlation of 0.39, 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 VAMO?

MSTB has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to VAMO (2.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTB dropped -25.64% vs VAMO's -41.84%.

Which ETF is better, MSTB or VAMO?

On 5-year performance, VAMO leads with 9.15% vs 7.75% for MSTB. On fees, VAMO is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, VAMO has been the lower-risk option at 2.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTB or VAMO?

Over the 5-year period, VAMO has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTB or VAMO?

VAMO is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 1.40% for MSTB.

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

VAMO has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.39% for MSTB.

What is the main difference between MSTB and VAMO?

MSTB is categorized as Equity Hedged, while VAMO is Momentum. They also come from different issuers: Little Harbor Advisors and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 1.40% for MSTB and 0.65% for VAMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VAMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.47), 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.