LOWV vs SCHD
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $203M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.52% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.85% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
LOWV vs SCHD Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year LOWV returned +11.85% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.52% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.05% per year against +15.55% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.17% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LOWV charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.89% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 164 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or SCHD?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or SCHD?
Over the past year LOWV returned +11.85% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +18.17% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both LOWV and SCHD?
LOWV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LOWV and SCHD?
LOWV and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or SCHD?
LOWV yields 0.89% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.