KARS vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKARSVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.72%0.05%
AUM$76M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.18%2.60%
Holdings878,747
YTD Return-1.37%+14.57%
1Y Return+25.77%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-0.50%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-7.14%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)28.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-64.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyKraneSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 18, 2018Jan 26, 2011

KARS vs VXUS Performance

KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, KARS is down 1.37% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, KARS compounded at -0.50% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -7.14% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

KARS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -64.8% for KARS and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

KARS charges 0.72% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $5 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KARS currently yields 0.18% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

KARS and VXUS share 43 holdings out of 7897 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in KARSWeight in VXUSDifference
6752:JP5.50%0.08%5.42%
STM:PA5.04%0.05%4.99%
300750:SH4.02%0.03%3.99%
006400:KRProProPro
3993:JPProProPro
LYC:AUProProPro
9866:HKProProPro
PLS:AUProProPro
9868:HKProProPro
2015:HKProProPro
See all 10 holdings KARS shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, KARS or VXUS?

KARS has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.

Which performed better, KARS or VXUS?

Over the past year KARS returned +25.77% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), KARS annualized +3.94% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, KARS or VXUS?

KARS has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KARS -64.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both KARS and VXUS?

KARS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between KARS and VXUS?

KARS and VXUS share 43 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, KARS or VXUS?

KARS yields 0.18% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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