ILOW vs SPY
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.35% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ILOW vs SPY Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, ILOW is up 9.54% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 SPY. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 1.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or SPY?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or SPY?
Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +16.63% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ILOW and SPY?
ILOW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and SPY?
ILOW and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or SPY?
ILOW yields 1.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ILOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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