SEPZ vs. MSTQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SEPZ (TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF) and MSTQ (LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF) are both Options Trading funds. SEPZ is passively managed, while MSTQ is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SEPZ returned 16.43%/yr vs 24.11%/yr for MSTQ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEPZ charges 0.80%/yr vs 1.59%/yr for MSTQ.

Performance

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF (SEPZ) 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, SEPZ achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly lower than MSTQ's 17.40% return.

SEPZ

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.10%
• 1Y: 20.60%
• 3Y*: 16.43%
• 5Y*: 11.53%
• 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)

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SEPZ TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF	8.19%	13.18%	18.23%	17.94%	-1.40%
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	17.40%	20.57%	19.58%	43.10%	-21.67%

Correlation

The correlation between SEPZ and MSTQ is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2022	0.88

The correlation between SEPZ and MSTQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEPZ	MSTQ
Technology	35.3%	54.0%
Financial Services	13.4%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	12.2%
Communication Services	9.9%	15.6%
Healthcare	8.8%	4.2%
Industrials	7.8%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	7.6%
Energy	3.0%	0.6%
Utilities	2.5%	1.4%
Real Estate	2.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.6%	1.1%

Return for Risk

SEPZ vs. MSTQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEPZ

SEPZ Risk / Return Rank: 63
SEPZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SEPZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SEPZ Omega Ratio Rank: 60
SEPZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SEPZ Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF (SEPZ) 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.

	SEPZ	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.23	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.97	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	2.58	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.83	8.04	+4.79
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEPZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the MSTQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEPZ 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

	SEPZ	MSTQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	2.23	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	0.87	+0.17

Drawdowns

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEPZ drawdown since its inception was -15.22%, smaller than the maximum MSTQ drawdown of -31.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEPZ and MSTQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEPZ	MSTQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.22%	-31.05%	+15.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.30%	-12.39%	+5.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.57%	-15.22%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.21%	-0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.84%	-8.62%	+5.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	3.97%	-2.36%

Volatility

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF (SEPZ) is 2.68%, while LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF (MSTQ) has a volatility of 4.25%. This indicates that SEPZ 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

	SEPZ	MSTQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.68%	4.25%	-1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.28%	10.58%	-3.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.97%	14.35%	-4.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.29%	18.85%	-6.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.46%	18.85%	-6.39%

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEPZ has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTQ's 1.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEPZ vs. MSTQ - Dividend Comparison

SEPZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.03%, less than MSTQ's 11.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MSTQ LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF	11.90%	13.97%	3.72%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%
SEPZ TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF	2.03%	2.20%	3.62%	3.55%	0.69%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEPZ and MSTQ in my portfolio?

SEPZ and MSTQ have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEPZ or MSTQ?

MSTQ has higher volatility (4.25%) compared to SEPZ (2.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEPZ dropped -15.22% vs MSTQ's -31.05%.

Which ETF is better, SEPZ or MSTQ?

On 3-year performance, MSTQ leads with 24.11% vs 16.43% for SEPZ. On fees, SEPZ is cheaper at 0.80% per year. On volatility, SEPZ has been the lower-risk option at 2.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEPZ or MSTQ?

Over the 3-year period, MSTQ has performed better with a 24.11% return vs 16.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEPZ or MSTQ?

SEPZ is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 1.59% for MSTQ.

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

MSTQ has the higher dividend yield at 11.90%, compared with 2.03% for SEPZ.

What is the main difference between SEPZ and MSTQ?

They also come from different issuers: TrueShares and Little Harbor Advisors. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for SEPZ and 1.59% for MSTQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSTQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 2.08), 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.