KSTR vs. ECNS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KSTR (KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF) and ECNS (iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF) are both China Equities funds - KSTR tracks the SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board 50 Index while ECNS tracks the MSCI China Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KSTR returned 1.09%/yr vs -8.73%/yr for ECNS. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KSTR charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for ECNS.

Performance

KSTR vs. ECNS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) and iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KSTR achieves a 52.98% return, which is significantly higher than ECNS's -13.41% return.

KSTR

• 1D: -5.54%
• 1M: 17.74%
• 6M: 33.72%
• YTD: 52.98%
• 1Y: 108.49%
• 3Y*: 24.92%
• 5Y*: 1.09%
• 10Y*: —

ECNS

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: -7.53%
• 6M: -18.85%
• YTD: -13.41%
• 1Y: -8.94%
• 3Y*: 3.56%
• 5Y*: -8.73%
• 10Y*: 0.73%

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

KSTR vs. ECNS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
KSTR KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF	52.98%	42.82%	6.12%	-17.93%	-38.51%	-2.01%
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	-13.41%	36.49%	5.64%	-23.05%	-24.58%	-12.68%

Correlation

The correlation between KSTR and ECNS is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2021	0.52

The correlation between KSTR and ECNS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

KSTR vs. ECNS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KSTR	ECNS
Technology	86.3%	11.6%
Industrials	6.6%	21.9%
Healthcare	5.7%	20.5%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	7.5%
Energy	0.9%	2.4%
Basic Materials	0.6%	8.9%
Communication Services	-	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.1%
Financial Services	-	5.3%
Real Estate	-	7.8%
Utilities	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

KSTR vs. ECNS — Risk / Return Rank

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

KSTR

KSTR Risk / Return Rank: 90
KSTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
KSTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
KSTR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
KSTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
KSTR Martin Ratio Rank: 88

ECNS

ECNS Risk / Return Rank: 6
ECNS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
ECNS Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ECNS Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ECNS Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ECNS Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

KSTR vs. ECNS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) and iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS). 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.

	KSTR	ECNS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	-0.43	+3.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	-0.46	+3.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	0.94	+0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.16	-0.35	+6.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.79	-0.77	+15.56

KSTR vs. ECNS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KSTR Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is higher than the ECNS Sharpe Ratio of -0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KSTR and ECNS, 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

KSTR vs. ECNS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KSTR drawdown since its inception was -66.46%, roughly equal to the maximum ECNS drawdown of -63.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KSTR and ECNS.

Drawdown Indicators

	KSTR	ECNS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.46%	-63.43%	-3.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-25.73%	+8.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.55%	-31.72%	-9.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.31%	-58.38%	-7.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-63.43%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.99%	-44.26%	+32.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-38.15%	-29.46%	-8.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.36%	11.64%	-4.28%

Volatility

KSTR vs. ECNS - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) has a higher volatility of 20.33% compared to iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) at 6.17%. This indicates that KSTR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ECNS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KSTR	ECNS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.33%	6.17%	+14.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.29%	13.93%	+19.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.01%	20.99%	+20.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.31%	29.47%	+9.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.44%	25.80%	+12.64%

KSTR vs. ECNS - Expense Ratio Comparison

KSTR has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than ECNS's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

KSTR vs. ECNS - Dividend Comparison

KSTR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ECNS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.79%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	6.79%	6.20%	5.98%	4.89%	3.54%	4.87%	3.59%	3.23%	6.16%	3.18%	4.29%	3.58%
KSTR KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 KSTR and ECNS in my portfolio?

KSTR and ECNS have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KSTR or ECNS?

KSTR has higher volatility (20.33%) compared to ECNS (6.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KSTR dropped -66.46% vs ECNS's -63.43%.

Which ETF is better, KSTR or ECNS?

On 5-year performance, KSTR leads with 1.09% vs -8.73% for ECNS. On fees, ECNS is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, ECNS has been the lower-risk option at 6.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KSTR or ECNS?

Over the 5-year period, KSTR has performed better with a 1.09% return vs -8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KSTR or ECNS?

ECNS is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for KSTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KSTR or ECNS?

ECNS has the higher dividend yield at 6.79%, compared with 0.00% for KSTR.

What is the main difference between KSTR and ECNS?

KSTR tracks SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board 50 Index, while ECNS tracks MSCI China Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for KSTR and 0.59% for ECNS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KSTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 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.