ASG vs VYM
ASG vs VYM
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $373M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.53% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.00% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.90% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.86% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Liberty All Star Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 1986 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ASG vs VYM Performance
Liberty All-Star Growth Fund Inc. (ASG) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, ASG is up 4.00% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, ASG compounded at +6.86% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $112 vs $4 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASG currently yields 7.53% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ASG and VYM share 12 holdings out of 670 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ASG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 1.26% | 6.47% | 5.21% |
| CAT | 0.16% | 1.51% | 1.35% |
| TPR | 1.35% | 0.14% | 1.21% |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| Q | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LOW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HLI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ASG shares with VYM 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 VYM?
ASG has an expense ratio of 1.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASG or VYM?
Over the past year ASG returned +1.90% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ASG annualized -0.32% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASG or VYM?
ASG has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ASG -86.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ASG and VYM?
ASG and VYM 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 VYM?
ASG and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 670 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASG or VYM?
ASG yields 7.53% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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