KGRN vs SPY
KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KGRN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $53M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -14.19% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -14.04% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.82% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.18% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KGRN vs SPY Performance
KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF (KGRN) is a ETF from KraneShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KGRN returned -14.04% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, KGRN is down 14.19% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, KGRN compounded at -1.82% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -11.18% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KGRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -66.2% for KGRN and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KGRN charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KGRN currently yields 0.94% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KGRN and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 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, KGRN or SPY?
KGRN has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KGRN or SPY?
Over the past year KGRN returned -14.04% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), KGRN annualized +0.86% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KGRN or SPY?
KGRN has been the more volatile fund at 31.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KGRN -66.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KGRN and SPY?
KGRN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KGRN and SPY?
KGRN and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KGRN or SPY?
KGRN yields 0.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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