KCAI vs. CXSE

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

KCAI (KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF) and CXSE (WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund) are both China Equities funds - KCAI tracks the Qi China Alpha Index while CXSE tracks the WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, KCAI returned 43.55% vs 12.57% for CXSE. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KCAI charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for CXSE.

Performance

KCAI vs. CXSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) and WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KCAI achieves a 4.28% return, which is significantly higher than CXSE's -4.84% return.

KCAI

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 4.28%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 43.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CXSE

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: -4.79%
• YTD: -4.84%
• 6M: -7.13%
• 1Y: 12.57%
• 3Y*: 8.88%
• 5Y*: -9.43%
• 10Y*: 6.94%

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

KCAI vs. CXSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	4.28%	53.29%	11.36%
CXSE WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund	-4.84%	37.00%	16.46%

Correlation

The correlation between KCAI and CXSE is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.64

The correlation between KCAI and CXSE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

KCAI vs. CXSE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KCAI	CXSE
Financial Services	39.0%	6.2%
Industrials	23.6%	12.7%
Technology	13.2%	27.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	24.6%
Basic Materials	11.3%	3.2%
Healthcare	1.3%	8.6%
Communication Services	-	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.0%
Energy	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	0.2%

Return for Risk

KCAI vs. CXSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

KCAI

KCAI Risk / Return Rank: 95
KCAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
KCAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
KCAI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
KCAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
KCAI Martin Ratio Rank: 96

CXSE

CXSE Risk / Return Rank: 17
CXSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
CXSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
CXSE Omega Ratio Rank: 18
CXSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
CXSE Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

KCAI vs. CXSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) and WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE). 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.

	KCAI	CXSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	0.58	+2.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.57	0.94	+3.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.12	+0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.93	0.71	+9.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.09	1.39	+26.70

KCAI vs. CXSE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KCAI Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is higher than the CXSE Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KCAI and CXSE, 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

KCAI vs. CXSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KCAI drawdown since its inception was -25.48%, smaller than the maximum CXSE drawdown of -70.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KCAI and CXSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	KCAI	CXSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.48%	-70.01%	+44.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-17.70%	+13.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-32.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-64.47%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-70.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.41%	-49.09%	+44.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.99%	-27.92%	+20.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	9.05%	-7.50%

Volatility

KCAI vs. CXSE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) is 4.56%, while WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE) has a volatility of 7.33%. This indicates that KCAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CXSE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KCAI	CXSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.56%	7.33%	-2.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	15.64%	-6.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.69%	21.74%	-8.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.02%	32.35%	-11.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.02%	28.73%	-7.71%

KCAI vs. CXSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

KCAI has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than CXSE's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

KCAI vs. CXSE - Dividend Comparison

KCAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 33.97%, more than CXSE's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CXSE WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund	1.52%	1.95%	1.70%	1.71%	1.55%	0.86%	0.54%	0.96%	1.49%	1.24%	1.39%	2.50%
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	33.97%	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 KCAI and CXSE in my portfolio?

KCAI and CXSE have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KCAI or CXSE?

CXSE has higher volatility (7.33%) compared to KCAI (4.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KCAI dropped -25.48% vs CXSE's -70.01%.

Which ETF is better, KCAI or CXSE?

On 1-year performance, KCAI leads with 43.55% vs 12.57% for CXSE. On fees, CXSE is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, KCAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KCAI or CXSE?

Over the 1-year period, KCAI has performed better with a 43.55% return vs 12.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KCAI or CXSE?

CXSE is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KCAI.

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

KCAI has the higher dividend yield at 33.97%, compared with 1.52% for CXSE.

What is the main difference between KCAI and CXSE?

KCAI tracks Qi China Alpha Index, while CXSE tracks WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for KCAI and 0.32% for CXSE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KCAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 0.58), 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.