ECNS vs. KCAI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ECNS (iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF) and KCAI (KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF) are both China Equities funds - ECNS tracks the MSCI China Small Cap Index while KCAI tracks the Qi China Alpha Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ECNS returned -8.94% vs 39.53% for KCAI. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ECNS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for KCAI.

Performance

ECNS vs. KCAI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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, ECNS achieves a -13.41% return, which is significantly lower than KCAI's 3.23% return.

ECNS

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: -7.53%
• 6M: -18.85%
• YTD: -13.41%
• 1Y: -8.94%
• 3Y*: 3.56%
• 5Y*: -8.73%
• 10Y*: 0.73%

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)

ECNS vs. KCAI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	-13.41%	36.49%	18.73%
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	3.23%	53.29%	11.36%

Correlation

The correlation between ECNS and KCAI is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.59

The correlation between ECNS and KCAI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

ECNS vs. KCAI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ECNS	KCAI
Industrials	21.9%	23.6%
Healthcare	20.5%	1.3%
Technology	11.6%	13.2%
Basic Materials	8.9%	11.3%
Real Estate	7.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	11.5%
Communication Services	6.0%	-
Financial Services	5.3%	39.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.1%	-
Energy	2.4%	-
Utilities	1.5%	-

Return for Risk

ECNS vs. KCAI — Risk / Return Rank

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

ECNS

ECNS Risk / Return Rank: 6
ECNS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ECNS Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ECNS Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ECNS Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ECNS Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

ECNS vs. KCAI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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.

	ECNS	KCAI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.43	2.88	-3.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.46	4.15	-4.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.50	-0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.35	6.74	-7.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.77	21.56	-22.33

ECNS vs. KCAI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ECNS Sharpe Ratio is -0.43, which is lower than the KCAI Sharpe Ratio of 2.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ECNS 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

ECNS vs. KCAI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ECNS drawdown since its inception was -63.43%, which is greater than KCAI's maximum drawdown of -25.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ECNS and KCAI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ECNS	KCAI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.43%	-25.48%	-37.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.73%	-5.90%	-19.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.26%	-5.37%	-38.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.46%	-6.95%	-22.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.64%	1.84%	+9.80%

Volatility

ECNS vs. KCAI - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) has a higher volatility of 6.17% compared to KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) at 4.63%. This indicates that ECNS'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

	ECNS	KCAI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.17%	4.63%	+1.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.93%	9.15%	+4.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.99%	13.81%	+7.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.47%	20.88%	+8.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.80%	20.88%	+4.92%

ECNS vs. KCAI - Expense Ratio Comparison

ECNS has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than KCAI's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

ECNS vs. KCAI - Dividend Comparison

ECNS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.79%, less than KCAI's 34.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	6.79%	6.20%	5.98%	4.89%	3.54%	4.87%	3.59%	3.23%	6.16%	3.18%	4.29%	3.58%
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 ECNS and KCAI in my portfolio?

ECNS and KCAI have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ECNS or KCAI?

ECNS has higher volatility (6.17%) compared to KCAI (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ECNS dropped -63.43% vs KCAI's -25.48%.

Which ETF is better, ECNS or KCAI?

On 1-year performance, KCAI leads with 39.53% vs -8.94% for ECNS. On fees, ECNS is cheaper at 0.59% 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, ECNS or KCAI?

Over the 1-year period, KCAI has performed better with a 39.53% return vs -8.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ECNS or KCAI?

ECNS is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KCAI.

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

KCAI has the higher dividend yield at 34.31%, compared with 6.79% for ECNS.

What is the main difference between ECNS and KCAI?

ECNS tracks MSCI China Small Cap Index, while KCAI tracks Qi China Alpha Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and KraneShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ECNS and 0.79% for KCAI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KCAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.88 vs -0.43), 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.