ASG vs SCHD
ASG vs SCHD
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ASG offers more diversification with 124 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $373M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.53% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.00% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ASG vs SCHD Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, ASG is up 4.00% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +6.86% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs -0.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ASG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% compared with 13.7% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASG charges 1.12% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $6 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASG currently yields 7.53% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 221 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASG or SCHD?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or SCHD?
Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ASG annualized -0.32% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or SCHD?
ASG has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ASG and SCHD?
ASG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ASG and SCHD?
ASG and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 221 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or SCHD?
ASG yields 7.53% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so ASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.