QTJA vs. MSTQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QTJA (Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January) and MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QTJA returned 18.10%/yr vs 24.11%/yr for MSTQ. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QTJA charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MSTQ.

Performance

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) 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, QTJA achieves a 10.75% return, which is significantly lower than MSTQ's 17.40% return.

QTJA

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 10.75%
• 6M: 11.53%
• 1Y: 26.02%
• 3Y*: 18.10%
• 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)

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QTJA Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January	10.75%	18.86%	18.47%	25.56%	-19.87%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	17.40%	20.57%	19.58%	43.10%	-21.67%

Correlation

The correlation between QTJA and MSTQ is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2022	0.87

The correlation between QTJA and MSTQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTJA	MSTQ
Technology	54.2%	54.0%
Communication Services	15.5%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	7.6%
Healthcare	4.2%	4.2%
Industrials	2.8%	2.9%
Utilities	1.4%	1.4%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.1%
Energy	0.6%	0.6%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

QTJA vs. MSTQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTJA

QTJA Risk / Return Rank: 74
QTJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QTJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
QTJA Omega Ratio Rank: 86
QTJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
QTJA Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) 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.

	QTJA	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	2.23	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	2.97	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.39	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	2.58	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.08	8.04	+6.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTJA Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is comparable to the MSTQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTJA 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

	QTJA	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.44	2.23	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.87	-0.59

Drawdowns

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTJA drawdown since its inception was -36.07%, which is greater than MSTQ's maximum drawdown of -31.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTJA and MSTQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTJA	MSTQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.07%	-31.05%	-5.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.75%	-12.39%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.73%	-15.22%	-6.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.21%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-8.62%	-4.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	3.97%	-2.12%

Volatility

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) is 1.57%, while LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a volatility of 4.25%. This indicates that QTJA 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

	QTJA	MSTQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.57%	4.25%	-2.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.42%	10.58%	-1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.72%	14.35%	-3.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	18.85%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.45%	18.85%	+1.60%

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTJA has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTQ's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTJA vs. MSTQ - Dividend Comparison

QTJA 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
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	11.90%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%
QTJA Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTJA and MSTQ in my portfolio?

QTJA and MSTQ have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTJA or MSTQ?

MSTQ has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to QTJA (1.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTJA dropped -36.07% vs MSTQ's -31.05%.

Which ETF is better, QTJA or MSTQ?

On 3-year performance, MSTQ leads with 24.11% vs 18.10% for QTJA. On fees, QTJA is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, QTJA has been the lower-risk option at 1.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTJA or MSTQ?

Over the 3-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 24.11% return vs 18.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTJA or MSTQ?

QTJA is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

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

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

What is the main difference between QTJA and MSTQ?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and Little Harbor Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QTJA and 1.59% for MSTQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 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.