ILOW vs IVV
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.35% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | May 15, 2000 |
ILOW vs IVV Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, ILOW is up 9.54% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.1% for ILOW. 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 -10.4% for ILOW and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 1.46% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or IVV?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or IVV?
Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +16.63% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ILOW and IVV?
ILOW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and IVV?
ILOW and IVV share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or IVV?
ILOW yields 1.46% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ILOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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