ILOW vs VYM
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.97% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ILOW vs VYM Performance
AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ILOW returned +14.97% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, ILOW is up 10.43% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILOW charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILOW currently yields 0.65% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ILOW and VYM share 3 holdings out of 642 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILOW or VYM?
ILOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILOW or VYM?
Over the past year ILOW returned +14.97% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ILOW annualized +17.27% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILOW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.1% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: ILOW -10.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ILOW and VYM?
ILOW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILOW and VYM?
ILOW and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 642 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILOW or VYM?
ILOW yields 0.65% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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