ASG vs VOO
ASG vs VOO
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. 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 | ASG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $373M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.53% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.00% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ASG vs VOO Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) 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 ASG returned +1.90% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, ASG is up 4.00% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +6.86% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% 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 14.2% 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 -86.2% for ASG 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASG charges 1.12% per year while VOO 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 7.53% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and VOO share 49 holdings out of 580 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ASG | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.43% | 7.51% | 3.08% |
| AAPL | 2.74% | 6.59% | 3.85% |
| MSFT | 2.20% | 4.30% | 2.10% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ASG shares with VOO 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 VOO?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or VOO?
Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ASG annualized -0.32% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or VOO?
ASG has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ASG and VOO?
ASG and VOO 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 VOO?
ASG and VOO share 49 common holdings with a 24.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or VOO?
ASG yields 7.53% while VOO yields 1.09%, 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.