KCAI vs. KSPY

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

KCAI (KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF) and KSPY (Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KCAI is a China Equities fund tracking the Qi China Alpha Index, while KSPY is a Equity Hedged fund tracking the Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, KCAI returned 54.64% vs 17.37% for KSPY. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KCAI charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for KSPY.

Performance

KCAI vs. KSPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) and Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KCAI achieves a 5.79% return, which is significantly higher than KSPY's 4.57% return.

KCAI

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: 5.79%
• 6M: 9.23%
• 1Y: 54.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KSPY

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 4.57%
• 6M: 4.76%
• 1Y: 17.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KCAI vs. KSPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	5.79%	53.29%	11.12%
KSPY Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF	4.57%	13.89%	4.30%

Correlation

The correlation between KCAI and KSPY is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2024	0.19

Return for Risk

KCAI vs. KSPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

KCAI

KCAI Risk / Return Rank: 97
KCAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
KCAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
KCAI Omega Ratio Rank: 96
KCAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
KCAI Martin Ratio Rank: 97

KSPY

KSPY Risk / Return Rank: 85
KSPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
KSPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
KSPY Omega Ratio Rank: 91
KSPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
KSPY Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. KSPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) and Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY). 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.

	KCAI	KSPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.12	2.47	+1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.82	3.56	+2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.73	1.56	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	13.00	3.91	+9.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	38.98	20.81	+18.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KCAI vs. KSPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KCAI Sharpe Ratio is 4.12, which is higher than the KSPY Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KCAI and KSPY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KCAI	KSPY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.12	2.47	+1.65
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.88	1.11	+0.77

Drawdowns

KCAI vs. KSPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KCAI drawdown since its inception was -25.48%, which is greater than KSPY's maximum drawdown of -11.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KCAI and KSPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	KCAI	KSPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.48%	-11.67%	-13.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.23%	-4.46%	+0.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	-1.09%	-1.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.15%	-1.18%	-5.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.41%	0.84%	+0.57%

Volatility

KCAI vs. KSPY - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF (KCAI) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY) at 1.18%. This indicates that KCAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KSPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KCAI	KSPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	1.18%	+3.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.44%	5.59%	+2.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.32%	7.06%	+6.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	10.53%	+10.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.17%	10.53%	+10.64%

KCAI vs. KSPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

KCAI has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than KSPY's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

KCAI vs. KSPY - Dividend Comparison

KCAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 33.48%, more than KSPY's 5.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
KCAI KraneShares China Alpha Index ETF	33.48%	35.42%	2.19%
KSPY Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF	5.89%	6.16%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KCAI and KSPY in my portfolio?

KCAI and KSPY have a correlation of 0.22, 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 KSPY?

KCAI has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to KSPY (1.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KCAI dropped -25.48% vs KSPY's -11.67%.

Which ETF is better, KCAI or KSPY?

On 1-year performance, KCAI leads with 54.64% vs 17.37% for KSPY. On fees, KSPY is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, KSPY has been the lower-risk option at 1.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KCAI or KSPY?

Over the 1-year period, KCAI has performed better with a 54.64% return vs 17.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KCAI or KSPY?

KSPY is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KCAI.

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

KCAI has the higher dividend yield at 33.48%, compared with 5.89% for KSPY.

What is the main difference between KCAI and KSPY?

KCAI is categorized as China Equities, while KSPY is Equity Hedged. KCAI tracks Qi China Alpha Index, while KSPY tracks Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for KCAI and 0.78% for KSPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KCAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.12 vs 2.47), 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.