ASG vs VTI
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $398M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.63% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.00% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.73% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
ASG vs VTI Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASG returned +7.00% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ASG is up 6.63% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +10.16% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.73% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -0.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ASG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -86.2% for ASG and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASG charges 1.12% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $3 annually, a gap of $109 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASG currently yields 7.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and VTI share 106 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASG or VTI?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or VTI?
Over the past year ASG returned +7.00% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), ASG annualized -0.24% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or VTI?
ASG has been the more volatile fund at 22.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ASG and VTI?
ASG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ASG and VTI?
ASG and VTI share 106 common holdings with a 24.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or VTI?
ASG yields 7.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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