ASG vs VXUS
ASG vs VXUS
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $373M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.53% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.00% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ASG vs VXUS Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, ASG is up 4.00% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +6.86% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASG charges 1.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $5 annually, a gap of $107 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASG currently yields 7.53% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7983 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ASG | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSV:CA | 1.80% | 0.01% | 1.79% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASG or VXUS?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $107 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or VXUS?
Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ASG annualized -0.32% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or VXUS?
ASG has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ASG and VXUS?
ASG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ASG and VXUS?
ASG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7983 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or VXUS?
ASG yields 7.53% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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