EASG vs ILOW
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Selection Equity ETF vs AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF
Which is better, EASG or ILOW?
Each has led over a different period.
EASG has a lower expense ratio. EASG led over 1Y, ILOW over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. ILOW is less concentrated, with 21.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.5%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EASG | ILOW |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14%Best | 0.50% |
| AUM | $68M | $1.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.75% | 1.49% |
| Holdings | 361 | 102 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 9.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -10.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $13,001 | $13,869Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 22.5% | 21.0%Best |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | AllianceBernstein L.P. |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Jul 15, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized).
The two price series end 33 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. EASG has data through Sep 11, 2026 and ILOW through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 15, 2024 to Sep 11, 2026 (2.2 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EASG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.8% compared with 9.9% for ILOW. 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 -16.1% for EASG and -10.4% for ILOW. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EASG charges 0.14% per year while ILOW charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $50 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EASG currently yields 3.75% against 1.49% for ILOW.
Holdings Overlap
20.0% of EASG's money is in holdings ILOW also owns. 35.6% of ILOW's money is in holdings EASG also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
28 positions in common, counted across the 356 positions we hold weights for in EASG and 85 in ILOW, against full books of 361 and 102.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 3 positions for ILOW that do not appear in our book for EASG (4.3% of the fund), and 3 for EASG that do not appear in ILOW (1.1%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EASG | Weight in ILOW | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:ASASML HOLDING NV | 5.68% | 3.12% | 2.56% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag Ordinary Shares | 2.43% | 1.71% | 0.72% |
| SCHN:PASchneider Electric Se | 1.64% | 2.40% | 0.76% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 2.10% | 1.37% | 0.73% |
| 6758:JPSony Group Corp. | 1.27% | 1.40% | 0.13% |
| KBC:BRKbc Group Nv | 0.31% | 1.93% | 1.62% |
| PRY:MIPrysmian Spa Common Stock EUR 0.1 | 0.34% | 1.76% | 1.42% |
| TSCO:LNTesco Plc | 0.34% | 1.60% | 1.26% |
| REL:LNRELX Plc - Ordinary Shares | 0.56% | 1.24% | 0.68% |
| NN:ASNn Group Nv | 0.20% | 1.55% | 1.35% |
35.6% of ILOW is already inside EASG.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EASG or ILOW?
EASG has an expense ratio of 0.14% while ILOW charges 0.50%. EASG is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, EASG or ILOW?
EASG has been the more volatile fund at 11.8% annualized versus 9.9% for ILOW. Worst drawdown: EASG -16.1% vs ILOW -10.4%.
Should I hold both EASG and ILOW?
EASG and ILOW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between EASG and ILOW?
35.6% of ILOW's money is in holdings EASG also owns. 35.6% of ILOW's is in holdings EASG also owns. They hold 28 positions in common, counted across the 356 positions we hold weights for in EASG and 85 in ILOW.
Which pays a higher dividend, EASG or ILOW?
EASG yields 3.75% while ILOW yields 1.49%, so EASG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ILOW better than EASG?
EASG has a lower expense ratio. EASG led over 1Y, ILOW over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. ILOW is less concentrated, with 21.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 22.5%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.