KCAI vs VTI
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KCAI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 32.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.01% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.07% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 28, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
KCAI vs VTI Performance
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KCAI returned +32.07% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, KCAI is up 7.01% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -26.6% for KCAI 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KCAI charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KCAI currently yields 32.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KCAI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2827 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, KCAI or VTI?
KCAI has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KCAI or VTI?
Over the past year KCAI returned +32.07% vs +22.35% for VTI, so KCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KCAI annualized +35.35% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KCAI or VTI?
KCAI has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KCAI -26.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KCAI and VTI?
KCAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KCAI and VTI?
KCAI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2827 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KCAI or VTI?
KCAI yields 32.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so KCAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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