KSTR vs QQQ
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. KSTR delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSTR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $398M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +31.03% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +70.63% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.42% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.32% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2736.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KSTR vs QQQ Performance
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR) is a ETF from KraneShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KSTR returned +70.63% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, KSTR is up 31.03% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, KSTR compounded at +23.42% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.32% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs -8.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 2736.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -99.8% for KSTR and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSTR charges 0.89% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $18 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSTR currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KSTR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 152 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, KSTR or QQQ?
KSTR has an expense ratio of 0.89% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSTR or QQQ?
Over the past year KSTR returned +70.63% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so KSTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), KSTR annualized -8.42% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSTR or QQQ?
KSTR has been the more volatile fund at 2736.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: KSTR -99.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KSTR and QQQ?
KSTR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSTR and QQQ?
KSTR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSTR or QQQ?
KSTR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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