ILOW vs SCHD
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.97% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ILOW vs SCHD Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ILOW returned +14.97% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, ILOW is up 10.43% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 0.65% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ILOW and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 187 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 SCHD?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or SCHD?
Over the past year ILOW returned +14.97% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +17.27% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ILOW and SCHD?
ILOW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and SCHD?
ILOW and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 187 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or SCHD?
ILOW yields 0.65% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD 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.