LOWV vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LOWV (AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LOWV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, LOWV returned 14.14%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for FAAR. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LOWV charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

LOWV vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LOWV achieves a 0.40% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

LOWV

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -3.03%
• YTD: 0.40%
• 6M: -0.29%
• 1Y: 8.18%
• 3Y*: 14.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

LOWV vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
LOWV AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF	0.40%	12.26%	20.43%	18.90%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	5.97%	-6.72%

Correlation

The correlation between LOWV and FAAR is -0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.01

Return for Risk

LOWV vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

LOWV

LOWV Risk / Return Rank: 22
LOWV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
LOWV Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
LOWV Omega Ratio Rank: 21
LOWV Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
LOWV Martin Ratio Rank: 27

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 75
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

LOWV vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	LOWV	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	2.15	-1.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	3.09	-1.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.37	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	4.52	-3.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.45	15.18	-11.73

LOWV vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LOWV Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is lower than the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LOWV and FAAR, 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

LOWV vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LOWV drawdown since its inception was -13.87%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LOWV and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	LOWV	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.87%	-18.03%	+4.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-6.29%	-3.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.87%	-11.54%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-6.29%	+3.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.51%	-7.82%	+6.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.38%	1.87%	+0.51%

Volatility

LOWV vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF (LOWV) has a higher volatility of 2.74% compared to First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) at 2.55%. This indicates that LOWV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LOWV	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.74%	2.55%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.02%	9.68%	-1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.49%	13.38%	-2.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.96%	12.96%	-1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.96%	11.54%	+0.42%

LOWV vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

LOWV has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

LOWV vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

LOWV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than FAAR's 9.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.66%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
LOWV AB US Low Volatility Equity ETF	0.90%	0.85%	0.92%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LOWV and FAAR in my portfolio?

LOWV and FAAR have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LOWV or FAAR?

LOWV has higher volatility (2.74%) compared to FAAR (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LOWV dropped -13.87% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, LOWV or FAAR?

On 3-year performance, LOWV leads with 14.14% vs 10.57% for FAAR. On fees, LOWV is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LOWV or FAAR?

Over the 3-year period, LOWV has performed better with a 14.14% return vs 10.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LOWV or FAAR?

LOWV is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LOWV or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 0.90% for LOWV.

What is the main difference between LOWV and FAAR?

LOWV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for LOWV and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.79), 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.