MSTQ vs. XIMR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) and XIMR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MSTQ returned 26.47% vs 7.87% for XIMR. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSTQ charges 1.59%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for XIMR.

Performance

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTQ achieves a 12.49% return, which is significantly higher than XIMR's 4.15% return.

MSTQ

• 1D: -2.91%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 12.49%
• 6M: 10.94%
• 1Y: 26.47%
• 3Y*: 21.44%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XIMR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 4.15%
• 6M: 4.33%
• 1Y: 7.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	12.49%	20.57%	11.96%
XIMR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March	4.15%	6.80%	5.75%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTQ and XIMR is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2024	0.57

The correlation between MSTQ and XIMR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSTQ vs. XIMR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTQ

MSTQ Risk / Return Rank: 48
MSTQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MSTQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MSTQ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MSTQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
MSTQ Martin Ratio Rank: 43

XIMR

XIMR Risk / Return Rank: 97
XIMR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XIMR Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
XIMR Omega Ratio Rank: 98
XIMR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XIMR Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. XIMR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR). 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.

	MSTQ	XIMR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	3.87	-2.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	7.00	-4.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	2.20	-0.91
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	7.29	-5.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.57	59.00	-52.43

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is lower than the XIMR Sharpe Ratio of 3.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTQ and XIMR, 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

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTQ drawdown since its inception was -31.05%, which is greater than XIMR's maximum drawdown of -5.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTQ and XIMR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTQ	XIMR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.05%	-5.12%	-25.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.39%	-1.08%	-11.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.38%	-0.30%	-4.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.55%	-0.17%	-8.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	0.13%	+3.91%

Volatility

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Volatility Comparison

LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a higher volatility of 7.78% compared to FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR) at 0.79%. This indicates that MSTQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XIMR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTQ	XIMR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.78%	0.79%	+6.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.35%	1.79%	+10.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.87%	2.08%	+13.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.06%	4.34%	+14.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	4.34%	+14.72%

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTQ has a 1.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XIMR's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTQ vs. XIMR - Dividend Comparison

MSTQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.42%, more than XIMR's 6.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	12.42%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%
XIMR FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March	6.43%	6.41%	4.44%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTQ and XIMR in my portfolio?

MSTQ and XIMR have a correlation of 0.59, 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 XIMR?

MSTQ has higher volatility (7.78%) compared to XIMR (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTQ dropped -31.05% vs XIMR's -5.12%.

Which ETF is better, MSTQ or XIMR?

On 1-year performance, MSTQ leads with 26.47% vs 7.87% for XIMR. On fees, XIMR is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, XIMR has been the lower-risk option at 0.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTQ or XIMR?

Over the 1-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 26.47% return vs 7.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTQ or XIMR?

XIMR is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

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

MSTQ has the higher dividend yield at 12.42%, compared with 6.43% for XIMR.

What is the main difference between MSTQ and XIMR?

They also come from different issuers: Little Harbor Advisors and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 1.59% for MSTQ and 0.85% for XIMR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XIMR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.87 vs 1.68), 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.