LOWV vs VXUS
LOWV vs VXUS
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $203M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.24% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
LOWV vs VXUS Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LOWV returned +13.24% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +16.34% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +18.36% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LOWV charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7925 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LOWV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 1.39% | 1.29% | 0.10% |
| SHEL:LN | 1.47% | 0.54% | 0.93% |
| BAES:LN | 1.28% | 0.19% | 1.09% |
| WCN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings LOWV shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or VXUS?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or VXUS?
Over the past year LOWV returned +13.24% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), LOWV annualized +18.36% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.8% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both LOWV and VXUS?
LOWV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LOWV and VXUS?
LOWV and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or VXUS?
LOWV yields 0.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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