Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKBUFVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.01%0.03%
AUM$7M$663.5B
Dividend Yield8.92%1.07%
Holdings43,543
YTD Return-11.45%+14.20%
1Y Return-5.26%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)12.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-21.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyKraneSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 8, 2024May 24, 2001

KBUF vs VTI Performance

KraneShares 90% KWEB Defined Outcome January 2026 ETF (KBUF) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KBUF returned -5.26% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, KBUF is down 11.45% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.7% for KBUF. 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 -21.1% for KBUF and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

KBUF charges 1.01% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KBUF currently yields 8.92% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

KBUF and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, KBUF or VTI?

KBUF has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.

Which performed better, KBUF or VTI?

Over the past year KBUF returned -5.26% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), KBUF annualized +9.25% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, KBUF or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.7% for KBUF. Worst drawdown: KBUF -21.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both KBUF and VTI?

KBUF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between KBUF and VTI?

KBUF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, KBUF or VTI?

KBUF yields 8.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KBUF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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