LOWV vs SPY
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $203M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.52% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.85% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LOWV vs SPY Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LOWV returned +11.85% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.52% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.05% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.17% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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
LOWV charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.89% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and SPY share 54 holdings out of 518 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, LOWV or SPY?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or SPY?
Over the past year LOWV returned +11.85% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +18.17% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LOWV and SPY?
LOWV and SPY 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 LOWV and SPY?
LOWV and SPY share 54 common holdings with a 41.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or SPY?
LOWV yields 0.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.