KCAI vs VXUS
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. KCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KCAI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 32.81% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.72% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.74% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 28, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KCAI vs VXUS Performance
KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KCAI returned +34.74% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, KCAI is up 6.72% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -26.6% for KCAI 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KCAI charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KCAI currently yields 32.81% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KCAI and VXUS share 35 holdings out of 7874 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KCAI or VXUS?
KCAI has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KCAI or VXUS?
Over the past year KCAI returned +34.74% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so KCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KCAI annualized +35.34% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KCAI or VXUS?
KCAI has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KCAI -26.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KCAI and VXUS?
KCAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KCAI and VXUS?
KCAI and VXUS share 35 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KCAI or VXUS?
KCAI yields 32.81% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so KCAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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