NYM vs. ILOW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NYM (AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF) and ILOW (AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NYM is a Municipal Bonds fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while ILOW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. Both are actively managed. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NYM charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ILOW.

Performance

NYM vs. ILOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) 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, NYM achieves a 1.55% return, which is significantly lower than ILOW's 5.17% return.

NYM

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.92%
• YTD: 1.55%
• 6M: 1.61%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ILOW

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 5.17%
• 6M: 4.70%
• 1Y: 11.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NYM vs. ILOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NYM AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.55%	0.47%
ILOW AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF	5.17%	3.16%

Correlation

The correlation between NYM and ILOW is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2025	0.35

Return for Risk

NYM vs. ILOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

NYM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

ILOW

ILOW Risk / Return Rank: 27
ILOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
ILOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
ILOW Omega Ratio Rank: 25
ILOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
ILOW Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

NYM vs. ILOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF (NYM) 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.

	NYM	ILOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.87	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.34	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.21	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.71	—

Drawdowns

NYM vs. ILOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NYM drawdown since its inception was -1.76%, smaller than the maximum ILOW drawdown of -10.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NYM and ILOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	NYM	ILOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.76%	-10.37%	+8.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.80%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-1.75%	+1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.40%	-2.09%	+1.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NYM	ILOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.74%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.43%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03%	13.64%	-11.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.03%	14.56%	-12.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.03%	14.56%	-12.53%

NYM vs. ILOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

NYM has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than ILOW's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

NYM vs. ILOW - Dividend Comparison

NYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than ILOW's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ILOW AB International Low Volatility Equity ETF	1.52%	1.60%	0.78%
NYM AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF	1.73%	0.49%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NYM and ILOW in my portfolio?

NYM and ILOW have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NYM or ILOW?

On fees, NYM is cheaper at 0.27% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NYM or ILOW?

NYM is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ILOW.

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

NYM has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 1.52% for ILOW.

What is the main difference between NYM and ILOW?

NYM is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while ILOW is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for NYM and 0.50% for ILOW.