ILOW vs QQQ
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ILOW offers more diversification with 166 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.57% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.08% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ILOW vs QQQ Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ILOW returned +14.08% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ILOW is up 10.57% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 1.46% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ILOW and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 191 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or QQQ?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or QQQ?
Over the past year ILOW returned +14.08% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +17.13% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ILOW and QQQ?
ILOW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and QQQ?
ILOW and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or QQQ?
ILOW yields 1.46% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ILOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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