LOWV vs VOO
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $203M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.39% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.08% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.01% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LOWV vs VOO Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LOWV returned +12.08% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.39% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.01% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.15% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -13.9% for LOWV and -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.89% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and VOO share 53 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or VOO?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or VOO?
Over the past year LOWV returned +12.08% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +18.15% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LOWV and VOO?
LOWV and VOO 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 VOO?
LOWV and VOO share 53 common holdings with a 41.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or VOO?
LOWV yields 0.89% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO 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.