KCAI vs. EWM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

KCAI (KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF) and EWM (iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KCAI is a China Equities fund tracking the Qi China Alpha Index, while EWM is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Malaysia Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, KCAI returned 38.58% vs 22.47% for EWM. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KCAI charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for EWM.

Performance

KCAI vs. EWM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with KCAI having a 4.38% return and EWM slightly higher at 4.46%.

KCAI

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -2.62%
• 6M: 4.21%
• YTD: 4.38%
• 1Y: 38.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EWM

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: 1.06%
• YTD: 4.46%
• 1Y: 22.47%
• 3Y*: 14.14%
• 5Y*: 6.20%
• 10Y*: 2.29%

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

KCAI vs. EWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	4.38%	53.29%	11.36%
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	4.46%	15.74%	-1.71%

Correlation

The correlation between KCAI and EWM is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.22

KCAI vs. EWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KCAI	EWM
Financial Services	39.0%	50.5%
Industrials	23.6%	12.2%
Technology	13.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	1.1%
Basic Materials	11.3%	9.9%
Healthcare	1.3%	3.4%
Communication Services	-	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.7%
Energy	-	2.9%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	10.9%

Return for Risk

KCAI vs. EWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

KCAI

KCAI Risk / Return Rank: 94
KCAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
KCAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
KCAI Omega Ratio Rank: 92
KCAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
KCAI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

EWM

EWM Risk / Return Rank: 54
EWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
EWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
EWM Omega Ratio Rank: 54
EWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
EWM Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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. EWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) and iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM). 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	EWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.76	1.58	+1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.98	2.24	+1.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.27	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.57	2.13	+4.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.62	5.95	+14.67

KCAI vs. EWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KCAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.76, which is higher than the EWM Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KCAI and EWM, 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. EWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KCAI drawdown since its inception was -25.48%, smaller than the maximum EWM drawdown of -89.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KCAI and EWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	KCAI	EWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.48%	-89.19%	+63.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.90%	-10.61%	+4.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.32%	-7.68%	+3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-31.74%	+24.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	3.78%	-1.90%

Volatility

KCAI vs. EWM - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) has a higher volatility of 5.43% compared to iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) at 4.47%. This indicates that KCAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EWM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KCAI	EWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.43%	4.47%	+0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	11.36%	-1.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.03%	14.25%	-0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.93%	13.77%	+7.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.93%	16.16%	+4.77%

KCAI vs. EWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

KCAI has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than EWM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

KCAI vs. EWM - Dividend Comparison

KCAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 33.94%, more than EWM's 3.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWM iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF	3.56%	3.41%	3.32%	3.47%	3.00%	6.48%	1.89%	2.91%	3.84%	5.58%	5.97%	37.54%
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	33.94%	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 EWM in my portfolio?

KCAI and EWM have a correlation of 0.15, 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 EWM?

KCAI has higher volatility (5.43%) compared to EWM (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KCAI dropped -25.48% vs EWM's -89.19%.

Which ETF is better, KCAI or EWM?

On 1-year performance, KCAI leads with 38.58% vs 22.47% for EWM. On fees, EWM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, EWM has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KCAI or EWM?

Over the 1-year period, KCAI has performed better with a 38.58% return vs 22.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KCAI or EWM?

EWM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KCAI.

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

KCAI has the higher dividend yield at 33.94%, compared with 3.56% for EWM.

What is the main difference between KCAI and EWM?

KCAI is categorized as China Equities, while EWM is Asia Pacific Equities. KCAI tracks Qi China Alpha Index, while EWM tracks MSCI Malaysia Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for KCAI and 0.49% for EWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KCAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs 1.58), 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.