KSTR vs. GXC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

KSTR (KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF) and GXC (SPDR S&P China ETF) are both China Equities funds - KSTR tracks the SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board 50 Index while GXC tracks the S&P China BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KSTR returned 1.33%/yr vs -4.63%/yr for GXC. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KSTR charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for GXC.

Performance

KSTR vs. GXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KSTR achieves a 51.37% return, which is significantly higher than GXC's -6.50% return.

KSTR

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 10.13%
• YTD: 51.37%
• 6M: 53.01%
• 1Y: 113.73%
• 3Y*: 23.99%
• 5Y*: 1.33%
• 10Y*: —

GXC

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -2.98%
• YTD: -6.50%
• 6M: -8.11%
• 1Y: 8.50%
• 3Y*: 10.33%
• 5Y*: -4.63%
• 10Y*: 5.28%

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

KSTR vs. GXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
KSTR KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF	51.37%	42.82%	6.12%	-17.93%	-38.51%	-2.01%
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	-6.50%	30.84%	14.60%	-9.93%	-22.12%	-29.18%

Correlation

The correlation between KSTR and GXC is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2021	0.57

The correlation between KSTR and GXC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

KSTR vs. GXC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KSTR	GXC
Technology	86.3%	13.8%
Industrials	6.6%	9.5%
Healthcare	5.7%	6.3%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	21.9%
Energy	0.9%	3.3%
Basic Materials	0.6%	6.7%
Communication Services	-	13.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.5%
Financial Services	-	17.1%
Real Estate	-	2.0%
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

KSTR vs. GXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

KSTR

KSTR Risk / Return Rank: 87
KSTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
KSTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
KSTR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
KSTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
KSTR Martin Ratio Rank: 82

GXC

GXC Risk / Return Rank: 15
GXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
GXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
GXC Omega Ratio Rank: 15
GXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
GXC 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.

KSTR vs. GXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) and SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC). 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	GXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.08	0.45	+2.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	0.75	+2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.09	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.46	0.58	+5.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.95	1.26	+14.69

KSTR vs. GXC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KSTR Sharpe Ratio is 3.08, which is higher than the GXC Sharpe Ratio of 0.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KSTR and GXC, 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. GXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KSTR drawdown since its inception was -66.46%, smaller than the maximum GXC drawdown of -71.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KSTR and GXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	KSTR	GXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.46%	-71.96%	+5.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-14.63%	-3.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.55%	-25.54%	-16.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.46%	-53.99%	-12.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-60.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-33.92%	+33.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-38.49%	-28.83%	-9.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.16%	6.77%	+0.39%

Volatility

KSTR vs. GXC - Volatility Comparison

KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (KSTR) has a higher volatility of 16.21% compared to SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) at 5.75%. This indicates that KSTR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GXC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KSTR	GXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.21%	5.75%	+10.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.50%	13.95%	+14.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.25%	19.01%	+18.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.58%	29.00%	+9.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.87%	26.09%	+11.78%

KSTR vs. GXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

KSTR vs. GXC - Dividend Comparison

KSTR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.33%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXC SPDR S&P China ETF	3.33%	2.40%	2.81%	3.70%	2.67%	1.35%	1.04%	1.60%	2.03%	1.84%	2.05%	2.85%
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 GXC in my portfolio?

KSTR and GXC have a correlation of 0.60, 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 GXC?

KSTR has higher volatility (16.21%) compared to GXC (5.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KSTR dropped -66.46% vs GXC's -71.96%.

Which ETF is better, KSTR or GXC?

On 5-year performance, KSTR leads with 1.33% vs -4.63% for GXC. On fees, GXC is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, GXC has been the lower-risk option at 5.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KSTR or GXC?

Over the 5-year period, KSTR has performed better with a 1.33% return vs -4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KSTR or GXC?

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

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

GXC has the higher dividend yield at 3.33%, compared with 0.00% for KSTR.

What is the main difference between KSTR and GXC?

KSTR tracks SSE Science and Technology Innovation Board 50 Index, while GXC tracks S&P China BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for KSTR and 0.59% for GXC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KSTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.08 vs 0.45), 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.