KBA vs. AIA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KBA (KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A Share ETF) and AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KBA is a China Equities fund tracking the MSCI China A Index, while AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KBA returned 9.13%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for AIA. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KBA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for AIA.

Performance

KBA vs. AIA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBA achieves a 6.54% return, which is significantly lower than AIA's 37.27% return. Over the past 10 years, KBA has underperformed AIA with an annualized return of 9.13%, while AIA has yielded a comparatively higher 13.49% annualized return.

KBA

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -2.80%
• 6M: 3.29%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 1Y: 34.92%
• 3Y*: 13.52%
• 5Y*: 5.89%
• 10Y*: 9.13%

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%

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

KBA vs. AIA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KBA KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A Share ETF	6.54%	33.88%	15.73%	-16.77%	-3.49%	3.17%	41.62%	35.44%	-26.28%	30.69%
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	37.27%	47.79%	20.26%	4.32%	-24.08%	-10.91%	33.73%	22.21%	-14.22%	45.00%

Correlation

The correlation between KBA and AIA is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 5, 2014	0.61

The correlation between KBA and AIA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

KBA vs. AIA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KBA	AIA
Technology	34.1%	63.8%
Financial Services	17.4%	16.4%
Industrials	15.4%	2.0%
Basic Materials	9.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	8.6%
Healthcare	3.7%	0.8%
Utilities	3.2%	-
Energy	3.0%	0.6%
Communication Services	1.4%	7.4%
Real Estate	0.5%	0.5%

Return for Risk

KBA vs. AIA — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBA

KBA Risk / Return Rank: 73
KBA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
KBA Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
KBA Omega Ratio Rank: 66
KBA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
KBA Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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

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.

KBA vs. AIA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A Share ETF (KBA) and iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA). 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.

	KBA	AIA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.24	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.70	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.58	4.82	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.82	15.01	-4.19

KBA vs. AIA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBA Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the AIA Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBA and AIA, 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

KBA vs. AIA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBA drawdown since its inception was -53.24%, smaller than the maximum AIA drawdown of -60.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBA and AIA.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBA	AIA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.24%	-60.89%	+7.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.65%	-14.15%	+6.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.23%	-21.64%	-9.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.76%	-48.67%	+8.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.32%	-54.64%	+9.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-11.19%	+4.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.62%	-16.62%	-9.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	4.53%	-1.30%

Volatility

KBA vs. AIA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A Share ETF (KBA) is 9.07%, while iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a volatility of 14.46%. This indicates that KBA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBA	AIA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.07%	14.46%	-5.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.47%	27.29%	-11.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.01%	30.55%	-10.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.44%	26.54%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.44%	24.03%	+1.41%

KBA vs. AIA - Expense Ratio Comparison

KBA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than AIA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

KBA vs. AIA - Dividend Comparison

KBA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than AIA's 1.60% 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%
KBA KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A Share ETF	1.47%	1.56%	2.18%	2.34%	49.05%	9.07%	0.65%	1.53%	3.77%	1.46%	6.62%	29.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBA and AIA in my portfolio?

KBA and AIA have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KBA or AIA?

AIA has higher volatility (14.46%) compared to KBA (9.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBA dropped -53.24% vs AIA's -60.89%.

Which ETF is better, KBA or AIA?

On 10-year performance, AIA leads with 13.49% vs 9.13% for KBA. On fees, AIA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, KBA has been the lower-risk option at 9.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBA or AIA?

Over the 10-year period, AIA has performed better with a 13.49% return vs 9.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBA or AIA?

AIA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for KBA.

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

AIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.60%, compared with 1.47% for KBA.

What is the main difference between KBA and AIA?

KBA is categorized as China Equities, while AIA is Asia Pacific Equities. KBA tracks MSCI China A Index, while AIA tracks S&P Asia 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: CICC and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for KBA and 0.50% for AIA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.76), 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.