ETF Comparison
MST vs MSTY: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Defiance MicroStrategy Option Income ETF and YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 2, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| MST | MSTY | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Defiance MicroStrategy Option Income ETF | YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF |
| Issuer | Defiance ETFs | YieldMax |
| Price | $20.28 | $21.29 |
| Distribution yield | 82.76% | 299.60% |
| Expense ratio | 1.31% | 1.03% |
| AUM | $21M | $1.0B |
| Distribution frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Underlying index | Strategy (MSTR) | Strategy (MSTR) |
| Objective | Option Income | Covered Call |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 07/18/2023 | 07/18/2023 |
| Beta | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Last dividend | $0.19 | $0.31 |
| Ex-dividend date | 04/01/2026 | 04/02/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
MST (Defiance MicroStrategy Option Income ETF) and MSTY (YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both popular weekly-pay option income ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MSTY offers the higher yield at 299.60% vs 82.76% for MST. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
MSTY is cheaper with an expense ratio of 1.03% compared to 1.31%.
MSTY is the larger fund by assets ($1.0B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, MST would generate roughly $689.67/month while MSTY would produce $2,496.67/month at current distribution rates. Both pay weekly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, MST would cost approximately $1,310 in fees vs $1,030 for MSTY (simplified, not compounded). The $280.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
MST tracks Strategy (MSTR) with a option income approach, while MSTY tracks Strategy (MSTR) using a covered call strategy. Beta is 0.0 for MST and 0.0 for MSTY, indicating MSTY is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
MST is managed by Defiance ETFs (launched 07/18/2023) with $21M in assets. MSTY is managed by YieldMax (launched 07/18/2023) with $1.0B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is MST or MSTY better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MSTY currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between MST and MSTY?
MST (Defiance MicroStrategy Option Income ETF) tracks Strategy (MSTR) with a option income strategy, while MSTY (YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) tracks Strategy (MSTR) with a covered call approach. They are issued by Defiance ETFs and YieldMax respectively.
Can I hold both MST and MSTY?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, MST or MSTY?
MST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while MSTY charges 1.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in MST vs MSTY generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in MST would generate roughly $689.67 per month ($8,276.00 annually). The same in MSTY would produce about $2,496.67 per month ($29,960.00 annually).
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