IVV vs LOWV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LOWV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $203M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.89% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 76 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +8.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +11.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +16.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | AllianceBernstein L.P. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 22, 2023 |
IVV vs LOWV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P.. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while LOWV returned +11.53%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 8.72% for LOWV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +16.10% for LOWV. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.22% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.8% for LOWV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -13.9% for LOWV. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LOWV charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.89% for LOWV.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LOWV share 52 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LOWV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LOWV charges 0.39%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LOWV?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +11.53% for LOWV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +18.22% for LOWV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LOWV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LOWV -13.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and LOWV?
IVV and LOWV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and LOWV?
IVV and LOWV share 52 common holdings with a 41.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LOWV?
IVV yields 1.09% while LOWV yields 0.89%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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