KCIIX vs. STEZX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KCIIX (Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund) and STEZX (AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, KCIIX returned 11.33%/yr vs 11.82%/yr for STEZX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KCIIX charges 1.21%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for STEZX.

Performance

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund (KCIIX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KCIIX achieves a 18.80% return, which is significantly lower than STEZX's 23.36% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with KCIIX having a 11.33% annualized return and STEZX not far ahead at 11.82%.

KCIIX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 4.94%
• YTD: 18.80%
• 6M: 18.75%
• 1Y: 33.90%
• 3Y*: 20.74%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: 11.33%

STEZX

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 3.97%
• YTD: 23.36%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: 47.27%
• 3Y*: 28.29%
• 5Y*: 13.71%
• 10Y*: 11.82%

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

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KCIIX Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund	18.80%	29.20%	7.57%	13.59%	-19.07%	11.40%	13.80%	19.31%	-12.45%	29.87%
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	23.36%	43.11%	12.75%	13.56%	-17.62%	10.32%	4.38%	19.93%	-14.94%	29.96%

Correlation

The correlation between KCIIX and STEZX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.91

The correlation between KCIIX and STEZX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KCIIX vs. STEZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

KCIIX

KCIIX Risk / Return Rank: 58
KCIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
KCIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
KCIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
KCIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
KCIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

STEZX

STEZX Risk / Return Rank: 86
STEZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
STEZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
STEZX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
STEZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
STEZX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund (KCIIX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). 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.

	KCIIX	STEZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.73	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	3.53	-0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.51	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	4.01	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	16.68	-6.26

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KCIIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is comparable to the STEZX Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KCIIX and STEZX, 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

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KCIIX drawdown since its inception was -35.81%, roughly equal to the maximum STEZX drawdown of -36.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KCIIX and STEZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	KCIIX	STEZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.81%	-36.51%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.66%	-12.02%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-14.01%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.42%	-29.85%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.81%	-36.51%	+0.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.54%	-7.28%	-0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	2.88%	+0.47%

Volatility

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund (KCIIX) is 6.37%, while AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX) has a volatility of 7.45%. This indicates that KCIIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STEZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KCIIX	STEZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.37%	7.45%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.14%	15.51%	-1.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.24%	17.70%	-1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.79%	16.59%	-0.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.00%	16.35%	-0.35%

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

KCIIX has a 1.21% expense ratio, which is higher than STEZX's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

KCIIX vs. STEZX - Dividend Comparison

KCIIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, less than STEZX's 10.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
KCIIX Knights of Columbus International Equity Fund	2.70%	3.40%	2.53%	1.97%	2.23%	10.06%	0.99%	2.96%	4.85%	0.67%	1.66%
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	10.18%	12.56%	2.45%	3.08%	4.12%	5.96%	1.29%	2.05%	3.23%	2.92%	1.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KCIIX and STEZX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, KCIIX and STEZX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, KCIIX or STEZX?

STEZX has higher volatility (7.45%) compared to KCIIX (6.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KCIIX dropped -35.81% vs STEZX's -36.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STEZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.15), 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.