KSPY vs. MAXJ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KSPY (Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF) and MAXJ (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF) are both Equity Hedged funds. KSPY is passively managed, while MAXJ is actively managed. Over the past year, KSPY returned 18.08% vs 9.20% for MAXJ. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KSPY charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for MAXJ.

Performance

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KSPY achieves a 5.54% return, which is significantly higher than MAXJ's 2.84% return.

KSPY

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 5.98%
• 1Y: 18.08%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MAXJ

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 2.84%
• 6M: 3.45%
• 1Y: 9.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KSPY Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF	5.54%	13.89%	3.43%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	2.84%	8.97%	3.53%

Correlation

The correlation between KSPY and MAXJ is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2024	0.75

The correlation between KSPY and MAXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KSPY vs. MAXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

KSPY

KSPY Risk / Return Rank: 86
KSPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
KSPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
KSPY Omega Ratio Rank: 91
KSPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
KSPY Martin Ratio Rank: 91

MAXJ

MAXJ Risk / Return Rank: 93
MAXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
MAXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
MAXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MAXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
MAXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ). 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.

	KSPY	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	3.18	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.75	5.22	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.75	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.07	5.42	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.74	30.77	-9.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KSPY Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is comparable to the MAXJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KSPY and MAXJ, 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

	KSPY	MAXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.60	3.18	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	1.63	-0.46

Drawdowns

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KSPY drawdown since its inception was -11.67%, which is greater than MAXJ's maximum drawdown of -6.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KSPY and MAXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	KSPY	MAXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.67%	-6.35%	-5.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.46%	-1.70%	-2.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.03%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.18%	-0.56%	-0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.30%	+0.53%

Volatility

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Volatility Comparison

Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF (KSPY) has a higher volatility of 0.66% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) at 0.29%. This indicates that KSPY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MAXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KSPY	MAXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.66%	0.29%	+0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.51%	1.92%	+3.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.99%	2.91%	+4.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	5.28%	+5.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.52%	5.28%	+5.24%

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

KSPY has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than MAXJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

KSPY vs. MAXJ - Dividend Comparison

KSPY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.84%, more than MAXJ's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
KSPY Kraneshares Hedgeye Hedged Equity Index ETF	5.84%	6.16%	1.31%
MAXJ iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF	0.98%	1.01%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KSPY and MAXJ in my portfolio?

KSPY and MAXJ have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KSPY or MAXJ?

KSPY has higher volatility (0.66%) compared to MAXJ (0.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KSPY dropped -11.67% vs MAXJ's -6.35%.

Which ETF is better, KSPY or MAXJ?

On 1-year performance, KSPY leads with 18.08% vs 9.20% for MAXJ. On fees, MAXJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, MAXJ has been the lower-risk option at 0.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KSPY or MAXJ?

Over the 1-year period, KSPY has performed better with a 18.08% return vs 9.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KSPY or MAXJ?

MAXJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for KSPY.

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

KSPY has the higher dividend yield at 5.84%, compared with 0.98% for MAXJ.

What is the main difference between KSPY and MAXJ?

They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for KSPY and 0.50% for MAXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.18 vs 2.60), 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.