MSTQ vs. IVVM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) and IVVM (iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSTQ returned 31.81% vs 16.27% for IVVM. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MSTQ charges 1.59%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IVVM.

Performance

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTQ achieves a 17.40% return, which is significantly higher than IVVM's 5.95% return.

MSTQ

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

IVVM

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.95%
• YTD: 5.95%
• 6M: 6.15%
• 1Y: 16.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	17.40%	20.57%	19.58%	8.54%
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	5.95%	14.24%	16.08%	5.17%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTQ and IVVM is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 3, 2023	0.81

The correlation between MSTQ and IVVM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

MSTQ vs. IVVM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

IVVM

IVVM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IVVM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IVVM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
IVVM Omega Ratio Rank: 79
IVVM Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IVVM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) and iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM). 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.

	MSTQ	IVVM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	2.32	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.33	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.48	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.08	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.04	15.34	-7.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the IVVM Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTQ and IVVM, 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

	MSTQ	IVVM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.23	2.32	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	1.49	-0.62

Drawdowns

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTQ drawdown since its inception was -31.05%, which is greater than IVVM's maximum drawdown of -11.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTQ and IVVM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTQ	IVVM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.05%	-11.62%	-19.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.39%	-5.31%	-7.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.22%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.62%	-0.92%	-7.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.97%	1.06%	+2.91%

Volatility

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Volatility Comparison

LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a higher volatility of 4.25% compared to iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (IVVM) at 0.76%. This indicates that MSTQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IVVM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTQ	IVVM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	0.76%	+3.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.58%	5.62%	+4.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.35%	7.04%	+7.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.85%	9.62%	+9.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.85%	9.62%	+9.23%

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTQ has a 1.59% expense ratio, which is higher than IVVM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTQ vs. IVVM - Dividend Comparison

MSTQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.90%, more than IVVM's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IVVM iShares Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF	0.65%	0.68%	0.62%	0.00%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	11.90%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTQ and IVVM in my portfolio?

MSTQ and IVVM have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSTQ or IVVM?

MSTQ has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to IVVM (0.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTQ dropped -31.05% vs IVVM's -11.62%.

Which ETF is better, MSTQ or IVVM?

On 1-year performance, MSTQ leads with 31.81% vs 16.27% for IVVM. On fees, IVVM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IVVM has been the lower-risk option at 0.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTQ or IVVM?

Over the 1-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 31.81% return vs 16.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTQ or IVVM?

IVVM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

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

MSTQ has the higher dividend yield at 11.90%, compared with 0.65% for IVVM.

What is the main difference between MSTQ and IVVM?

They also come from different issuers: Little Harbor Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.59% for MSTQ and 0.50% for IVVM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVVM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 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.