USA vs VTI
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund 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 | USA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.15% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.23% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.09% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.96% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
USA vs VTI Performance
Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) 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 USA returned +0.23% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, USA is up 2.47% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, USA compounded at +9.09% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.96% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -0.22%. 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 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 -84.2% for USA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USA charges 0.92% per year while VTI 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 10.15% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USA and VTI share 111 holdings out of 2814 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USA or VTI?
USA has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USA or VTI?
Over the past year USA returned +0.23% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), USA annualized -0.22% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USA or VTI?
USA has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USA -84.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USA and VTI?
USA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USA and VTI?
USA and VTI share 111 common holdings with a 33.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USA or VTI?
USA yields 10.15% while VTI yields 1.07%, so USA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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