KSTR vs VTI
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KSTR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSTR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $398M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.96% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +72.73% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.39% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.60% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2736.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
KSTR vs VTI Performance
KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KSTR returned +72.73% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, KSTR is up 28.96% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, KSTR compounded at +22.39% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.60% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -8.47%. 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 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 -99.8% for KSTR 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSTR charges 0.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSTR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KSTR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2832 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 VTI?
KSTR has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSTR or VTI?
Over the past year KSTR returned +72.73% vs +23.62% for VTI, so KSTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), KSTR annualized -8.47% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSTR or VTI?
KSTR has been the more volatile fund at 2736.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KSTR -99.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KSTR and VTI?
KSTR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSTR and VTI?
KSTR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2832 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSTR or VTI?
KSTR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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