AIA vs. KCAI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) and KCAI (KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50 Index, while KCAI is a China Equities fund tracking the Qi China Alpha Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIA returned 67.79% vs 39.53% for KCAI. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AIA charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for KCAI.

Performance

AIA vs. KCAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIA achieves a 37.27% return, which is significantly higher than KCAI's 3.23% return.

AIA

• 1D: -3.93%
• 1M: -5.04%
• 6M: 26.37%
• YTD: 37.27%
• 1Y: 67.79%
• 3Y*: 32.31%
• 5Y*: 10.75%
• 10Y*: 13.49%

KCAI

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -4.13%
• 6M: 2.63%
• YTD: 3.23%
• 1Y: 39.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AIA vs. KCAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	37.27%	47.79%	2.55%
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	3.23%	53.29%	11.36%

Correlation

The correlation between AIA and KCAI is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.44

AIA vs. KCAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIA	KCAI
Technology	63.8%	13.2%
Financial Services	16.4%	39.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	11.5%
Communication Services	7.4%	-
Industrials	2.0%	23.6%
Healthcare	0.8%	1.3%
Energy	0.6%	-
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	11.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIA vs. KCAI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 85
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 88

KCAI

KCAI Risk / Return Rank: 94
KCAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
KCAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
KCAI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
KCAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
KCAI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AIA vs. KCAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AIA	KCAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.88	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	4.15	-1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.50	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.82	6.74	-1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.01	21.56	-6.55

AIA vs. KCAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIA Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the KCAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIA and KCAI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AIA vs. KCAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIA drawdown since its inception was -60.89%, which is greater than KCAI's maximum drawdown of -25.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIA and KCAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIA	KCAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.89%	-25.48%	-35.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.15%	-5.90%	-8.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.67%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.19%	-5.37%	-5.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-6.95%	-9.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	1.84%	+2.69%

Volatility

AIA vs. KCAI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a higher volatility of 14.46% compared to KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) at 4.63%. This indicates that AIA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KCAI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIA	KCAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.46%	4.63%	+9.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.29%	9.15%	+18.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.55%	13.81%	+16.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.54%	20.88%	+5.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.03%	20.88%	+3.15%

AIA vs. KCAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than KCAI's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIA vs. KCAI - Dividend Comparison

AIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, less than KCAI's 34.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.60%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	34.31%	35.42%	2.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIA and KCAI in my portfolio?

AIA and KCAI have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIA or KCAI?

AIA has higher volatility (14.46%) compared to KCAI (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIA dropped -60.89% vs KCAI's -25.48%.

Which ETF is better, AIA or KCAI?

On 1-year performance, AIA leads with 67.79% vs 39.53% for KCAI. On fees, AIA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, KCAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIA or KCAI?

Over the 1-year period, AIA has performed better with a 67.79% return vs 39.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIA or KCAI?

AIA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KCAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIA or KCAI?

KCAI has the higher dividend yield at 34.31%, compared with 1.60% for AIA.

What is the main difference between AIA and KCAI?

AIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while KCAI is China Equities. AIA tracks S&P Asia 50 Index, while KCAI tracks Qi China Alpha Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and KraneShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for AIA and 0.79% for KCAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KCAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.88 vs 2.24), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.