ILOW vs VXUS
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.29% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.60% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ILOW vs VXUS Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILOW returned +16.60% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ILOW is up 11.29% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 0.65% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ILOW and VXUS share 68 holdings out of 7880 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or VXUS?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or VXUS?
Over the past year ILOW returned +16.60% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +17.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ILOW and VXUS?
ILOW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and VXUS?
ILOW and VXUS share 68 common holdings with a 13.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or VXUS?
ILOW yields 0.65% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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