ASG vs QQQ
ASG vs QQQ
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ASG offers more diversification with 124 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $373M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.53% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.00% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ASG vs QQQ Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, ASG is up 4.00% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +6.86% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs -0.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 22.3% for ASG. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASG charges 1.12% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $18 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASG currently yields 7.53% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and QQQ share 25 holdings out of 202 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ASG | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.43% | 7.88% | 3.45% |
| AAPL | 2.74% | 7.46% | 4.72% |
| MSFT | 2.20% | 4.65% | 2.45% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ASG shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASG or QQQ?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or QQQ?
Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), ASG annualized -0.32% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.3% for ASG. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ASG and QQQ?
ASG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ASG and QQQ?
ASG and QQQ share 25 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 202 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or QQQ?
ASG yields 7.53% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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