ILOW vs VTI
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 166 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.35% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
ILOW vs VTI Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, ILOW is up 9.54% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ILOW and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or VTI?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or VTI?
Over the past year ILOW returned +12.35% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +16.63% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ILOW and VTI?
ILOW and VTI 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 VTI?
ILOW and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or VTI?
ILOW yields 1.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ILOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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