USA vs VOO
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.35% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.89% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.83% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.42% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 1986 | Sep 7, 2010 |
USA vs VOO Performance
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USA returned +4.83% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, USA is up 4.89% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, USA compounded at +8.81% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.42% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -84.2% for USA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USA charges 0.92% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $3 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USA currently yields 10.35% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
USA and VOO share 103 holdings out of 540 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USA or VOO?
USA has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USA or VOO?
Over the past year USA returned +4.83% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), USA annualized -0.15% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USA or VOO?
USA has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: USA -84.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both USA and VOO?
USA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USA and VOO?
USA and VOO share 103 common holdings with a 35.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USA or VOO?
USA yields 10.35% while VOO yields 1.09%, so USA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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