LOWV vs VYM
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LOWV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $209M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +8.31% | +15.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.32% | +22.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.86% | +18.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LOWV vs VYM Performance
AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LOWV returned +11.32% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, LOWV is up 8.31% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Over three years, LOWV compounded at +15.86% per year against +18.81% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, LOWV has the edge at +17.76% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 9.7% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LOWV charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LOWV currently yields 0.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LOWV and VYM share 27 holdings out of 645 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LOWV or VYM?
LOWV has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LOWV or VYM?
Over the past year LOWV returned +11.32% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LOWV annualized +17.76% vs +7.02% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LOWV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 9.7% for LOWV. Worst drawdown: LOWV -13.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LOWV and VYM?
LOWV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LOWV and VYM?
LOWV and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 23.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 645 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LOWV or VYM?
LOWV yields 0.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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