KWEB vs VXUS
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KWEB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.43% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -24.19% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -21.75% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.36% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.92% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KWEB vs VXUS Performance
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KWEB returned -21.75% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, KWEB is down 24.19% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, KWEB compounded at +2.36% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -6.92% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KWEB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% 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 -80.9% for KWEB 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KWEB charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KWEB currently yields 7.43% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KWEB and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 7879 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KWEB or VXUS?
KWEB has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KWEB or VXUS?
Over the past year KWEB returned -21.75% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KWEB annualized +2.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KWEB or VXUS?
KWEB has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KWEB -80.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KWEB and VXUS?
KWEB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KWEB and VXUS?
KWEB and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KWEB or VXUS?
KWEB yields 7.43% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so KWEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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