LOWV vs QQQ
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $211M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.27% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.11% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.23% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LOWV vs QQQ Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year LOWV returned +11.11% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.27% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.23% per year against +26.64% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.06% annualized vs +13.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -13.9% for LOWV and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LOWV charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.86% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and QQQ share 18 holdings out of 153 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or QQQ?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or QQQ?
Over the past year LOWV returned +11.11% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +18.06% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LOWV and QQQ?
LOWV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LOWV and QQQ?
LOWV and QQQ share 18 common holdings with a 36.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or QQQ?
LOWV yields 0.86% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LOWV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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