IVV vs KCAI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. KCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | KCAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 32.81% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +32.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -26.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | KraneShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 28, 2024 |
IVV vs KCAI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) is a ETF from KraneShares. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while KCAI returned +32.00%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.69% for KCAI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -26.6% for KCAI. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KCAI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 32.81% for KCAI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KCAI share 0 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KCAI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KCAI charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KCAI?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +32.00% for KCAI, so KCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +35.20% for KCAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KCAI?
KCAI has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KCAI -26.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and KCAI?
IVV and KCAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KCAI?
IVV and KCAI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KCAI?
IVV yields 1.10% while KCAI yields 32.81%, so KCAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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