VAMO vs. MSTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VAMO (Cambria Value and Momentum ETF) and MSTB (LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VAMO is a Momentum fund actively managed by Cambria, while MSTB is a Equity Hedged fund tracking the S&P 500® Index. VAMO is actively managed, while MSTB is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VAMO returned 8.12%/yr vs 8.55%/yr for MSTB. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VAMO charges 0.65%/yr vs 1.40%/yr for MSTB.

Performance

VAMO vs. MSTB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VAMO achieves a 3.15% return, which is significantly lower than MSTB's 8.71% return.

VAMO

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: -1.08%
• YTD: 3.15%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 18.13%
• 3Y*: 13.91%
• 5Y*: 8.12%
• 10Y*: 5.64%

MSTB

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 20.33%
• 3Y*: 18.51%
• 5Y*: 8.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

VAMO vs. MSTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VAMO Cambria Value and Momentum ETF	3.15%	16.51%	6.11%	5.58%	8.55%	32.16%	8.30%
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	8.71%	18.57%	18.82%	16.94%	-22.72%	21.89%	9.45%

Correlation

The correlation between VAMO and MSTB is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
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 Oct 1, 2020	0.36

VAMO vs. MSTB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VAMO	MSTB
Financial Services	38.8%	11.9%
Energy	34.0%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	33.5%	10.1%
Industrials	21.4%	8.2%
Healthcare	17.5%	8.4%
Technology	8.3%	36.1%
Basic Materials	7.3%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	4.9%
Communication Services	5.0%	10.9%
Utilities	1.6%	2.3%
Real Estate	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

VAMO vs. MSTB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAMO

VAMO Risk / Return Rank: 52
VAMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VAMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VAMO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VAMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VAMO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

MSTB

MSTB Risk / Return Rank: 56
MSTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
MSTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
MSTB Omega Ratio Rank: 60
MSTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
MSTB Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VAMO vs. MSTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VAMO	MSTB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.00	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.75	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.37	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	2.46	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.47	9.32	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VAMO vs. MSTB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAMO Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the MSTB Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAMO and MSTB, 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

	VAMO	MSTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.63	2.00	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.62	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.83	-0.58

Drawdowns

VAMO vs. MSTB - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	VAMO	MSTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.84%	-25.64%	-16.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.55%	-8.31%	+2.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.61%	-10.81%	-0.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.25%	-25.64%	+8.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-0.60%	-2.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.98%	-7.18%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	2.19%	-0.27%

Volatility

VAMO vs. MSTB - Volatility Comparison

Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO) has a higher volatility of 2.97% compared to LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) at 2.56%. This indicates that VAMO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSTB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VAMO	MSTB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	2.56%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.66%	7.43%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.19%	10.21%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	13.97%	+3.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.09%	13.84%	+4.25%

VAMO vs. MSTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VAMO vs. MSTB - Dividend Comparison

VAMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, more than MSTB's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSTB LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF	0.38%	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	0.63%	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 VAMO and MSTB in my portfolio?

VAMO and MSTB have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VAMO or MSTB?

VAMO has higher volatility (2.97%) compared to MSTB (2.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAMO dropped -41.84% vs MSTB's -25.64%.

Which ETF is better, VAMO or MSTB?

On 5-year performance, MSTB leads with 8.55% vs 8.12% for VAMO. On fees, VAMO is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, MSTB has been the lower-risk option at 2.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VAMO or MSTB?

Over the 5-year period, MSTB has performed better with a 8.55% return vs 8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VAMO or MSTB?

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

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

VAMO has the higher dividend yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.38% for MSTB.

What is the main difference between VAMO and MSTB?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSTB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.63), 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.