KSTR vs SPY
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KSTR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSTR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $398M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +31.34% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +74.66% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.96% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.10% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2736.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KSTR vs SPY Performance
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR) 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 KSTR returned +74.66% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, KSTR is up 31.34% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, KSTR compounded at +21.96% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.10% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% 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 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 -99.8% for KSTR 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSTR charges 0.89% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $9 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSTR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KSTR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 552 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 SPY?
KSTR has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSTR or SPY?
Over the past year KSTR returned +74.66% vs +23.66% for SPY, so KSTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), KSTR annualized -8.42% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSTR or SPY?
KSTR has been the more volatile fund at 2736.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KSTR -99.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KSTR and SPY?
KSTR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSTR and SPY?
KSTR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSTR or SPY?
KSTR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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