EMOP vs. ILOW

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

EMOP (AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF) and ILOW (AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMOP is a Emerging Markets Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while ILOW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, EMOP returned 36.54% vs 13.23% for ILOW. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMOP charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ILOW.

Performance

EMOP vs. ILOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) and AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMOP achieves a 21.55% return, which is significantly higher than ILOW's 7.37% return.

EMOP

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: -6.04%
• 6M: 13.94%
• YTD: 21.55%
• 1Y: 36.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILOW

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.70%
• 6M: 5.49%
• YTD: 7.37%
• 1Y: 13.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EMOP vs. ILOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	21.55%	16.48%
ILOW AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF	7.37%	6.70%

Correlation

The correlation between EMOP and ILOW is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2025	0.62

The correlation between EMOP and ILOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMOP vs. ILOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMOP	ILOW
Technology	45.9%	10.4%
Financial Services	15.4%	27.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	6.3%
Energy	7.9%	2.8%
Industrials	6.0%	13.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	9.0%
Healthcare	3.5%	9.1%
Communication Services	3.0%	5.0%
Utilities	2.8%	1.6%
Real Estate	2.4%	2.4%
Basic Materials	2.3%	1.6%

Return for Risk

EMOP vs. ILOW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EMOP

EMOP Risk / Return Rank: 64
EMOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
EMOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
EMOP Omega Ratio Rank: 63
EMOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
EMOP Martin Ratio Rank: 69

ILOW

ILOW Risk / Return Rank: 34
ILOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
ILOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
ILOW Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ILOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ILOW Martin Ratio Rank: 41

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EMOP vs. ILOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) and AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	EMOP	ILOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	0.97	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	1.49	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.18	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	1.35	+1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.86	5.26	+4.60

EMOP vs. ILOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMOP Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is higher than the ILOW Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMOP and ILOW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

EMOP vs. ILOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMOP drawdown since its inception was -12.88%, which is greater than ILOW's maximum drawdown of -10.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMOP and ILOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMOP	ILOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.88%	-10.37%	-2.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.88%	-9.80%	-3.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.02%	-0.97%	-8.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.20%	-2.05%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	2.52%	+1.19%

Volatility

EMOP vs. ILOW - Volatility Comparison

AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) has a higher volatility of 9.06% compared to AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF (ILOW) at 3.00%. This indicates that EMOP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ILOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMOP	ILOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.06%	3.00%	+6.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.38%	11.61%	+8.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.44%	13.65%	+8.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.94%	14.45%	+7.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	14.45%	+7.49%

EMOP vs. ILOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMOP has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ILOW's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMOP vs. ILOW - Dividend Comparison

EMOP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than ILOW's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EMOP AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF	1.22%	0.27%	0.00%
ILOW AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF	1.49%	1.60%	0.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMOP and ILOW in my portfolio?

EMOP and ILOW have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMOP or ILOW?

EMOP has higher volatility (9.06%) compared to ILOW (3.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMOP dropped -12.88% vs ILOW's -10.37%.

Which ETF is better, EMOP or ILOW?

On 1-year performance, EMOP leads with 36.54% vs 13.23% for ILOW. On fees, ILOW is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ILOW has been the lower-risk option at 3.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMOP or ILOW?

Over the 1-year period, EMOP has performed better with a 36.54% return vs 13.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMOP or ILOW?

ILOW is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for EMOP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMOP or ILOW?

ILOW has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 1.22% for EMOP.

What is the main difference between EMOP and ILOW?

EMOP is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while ILOW is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for EMOP and 0.50% for ILOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 0.97), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.