LOWV vs VTI
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $211M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.18% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.21% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.10% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
LOWV vs VTI Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LOWV returned +10.21% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, LOWV is up 7.18% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.10% per year against +21.54% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +17.62% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.90. 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 VTI 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 0.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and VTI share 57 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or VTI?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or VTI?
Over the past year LOWV returned +10.21% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +17.62% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LOWV and VTI?
LOWV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VTI?
LOWV and VTI share 57 common holdings with a 37.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or VTI?
LOWV yields 0.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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