KRBN vs. GRN

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

KRBN (KraneShares Global Carbon ETF) and GRN (iPath Series B Carbon ETN) are both Commodities funds - KRBN tracks the IHS Markit Global Carbon Index while GRN tracks the Barclays Global Carbon II Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KRBN returned 7.53%/yr vs 9.74%/yr for GRN. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KRBN charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GRN.

Performance

KRBN vs. GRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares Global Carbon ETF (KRBN) and iPath Series B Carbon ETN (GRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KRBN achieves a -5.82% return, which is significantly higher than GRN's -8.22% return.

KRBN

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 5.47%
• YTD: -5.82%
• 6M: -0.67%
• 1Y: 16.58%
• 3Y*: 3.50%
• 5Y*: 7.53%
• 10Y*: —

GRN

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 7.79%
• YTD: -8.22%
• 6M: -4.01%
• 1Y: 11.88%
• 3Y*: 0.53%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

KRBN vs. GRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
KRBN KraneShares Global Carbon ETF	-5.82%	23.11%	-13.56%	8.01%	-12.75%	107.69%	22.60%
GRN iPath Series B Carbon ETN	-8.22%	20.33%	-7.34%	-2.99%	-0.07%	147.21%	25.66%

Correlation

The correlation between KRBN and GRN is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2020	0.90

The correlation between KRBN and GRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KRBN vs. GRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

KRBN

KRBN Risk / Return Rank: 22
KRBN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
KRBN Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
KRBN Omega Ratio Rank: 25
KRBN Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
KRBN Martin Ratio Rank: 18

GRN

GRN Risk / Return Rank: 15
GRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
GRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
GRN Omega Ratio Rank: 16
GRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
GRN Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

KRBN vs. GRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares Global Carbon ETF (KRBN) and iPath Series B Carbon ETN (GRN). 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.

	KRBN	GRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	0.43	+0.45
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.23	0.74	+0.49
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.10	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	0.45	+0.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.91	1.15	+0.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KRBN vs. GRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KRBN Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is higher than the GRN Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KRBN and GRN, 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

	KRBN	GRN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88	0.43	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.25	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.42	+0.15

Drawdowns

KRBN vs. GRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KRBN drawdown since its inception was -36.42%, smaller than the maximum GRN drawdown of -47.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KRBN and GRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	KRBN	GRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.42%	-47.96%	+11.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.98%	-30.39%	+5.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.34%	-45.30%	+17.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.42%	-47.96%	+11.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.15%	-19.39%	+5.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.14%	-17.54%	+1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.53%	11.80%	-2.27%

Volatility

KRBN vs. GRN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KraneShares Global Carbon ETF (KRBN) is 5.15%, while iPath Series B Carbon ETN (GRN) has a volatility of 6.78%. This indicates that KRBN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KRBN	GRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	6.78%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.63%	24.47%	-7.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.97%	27.77%	-8.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.11%	39.84%	-11.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.64%	41.96%	-13.32%

KRBN vs. GRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

KRBN has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than GRN's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

KRBN vs. GRN - Dividend Comparison

KRBN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, while GRN has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
GRN iPath Series B Carbon ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KRBN KraneShares Global Carbon ETF	2.02%	1.90%	7.10%	7.60%	22.91%	0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KRBN and GRN in my portfolio?

KRBN and GRN have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KRBN or GRN?

GRN has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to KRBN (5.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KRBN dropped -36.42% vs GRN's -47.96%.

Which ETF is better, KRBN or GRN?

On 5-year performance, GRN leads with 9.74% vs 7.53% for KRBN. On fees, GRN is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, KRBN has been the lower-risk option at 5.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KRBN or GRN?

Over the 5-year period, GRN has performed better with a 9.74% return vs 7.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KRBN or GRN?

GRN is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for KRBN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KRBN or GRN?

KRBN has the higher dividend yield at 2.02%, compared with 0.00% for GRN.

What is the main difference between KRBN and GRN?

KRBN tracks IHS Markit Global Carbon Index, while GRN tracks Barclays Global Carbon II Index. They also come from different issuers: CICC and Barclays Capital. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for KRBN and 0.75% for GRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KRBN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.43), 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.