AIA vs. KORU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50 Index, while KORU is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AIA returned 13.49%/yr vs 6.31%/yr for KORU. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIA charges 0.50%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for KORU.

Performance

AIA vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIA achieves a 37.27% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 130.89% return. Over the past 10 years, AIA has outperformed KORU with an annualized return of 13.49%, while KORU has yielded a comparatively lower 6.31% annualized return.

AIA

• 1D: -3.93%
• 1M: -5.04%
• 6M: 26.37%
• YTD: 37.27%
• 1Y: 67.79%
• 3Y*: 32.31%
• 5Y*: 10.75%
• 10Y*: 13.49%

KORU

• 1D: -24.74%
• 1M: -49.18%
• 6M: 66.57%
• YTD: 130.89%
• 1Y: 413.07%
• 3Y*: 60.31%
• 5Y*: 1.85%
• 10Y*: 6.31%

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

AIA vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	37.27%	47.79%	20.26%	4.32%	-24.08%	-10.91%	33.73%	22.21%	-14.22%	45.00%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	130.89%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	167.08%

Correlation

The correlation between AIA and KORU is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2013	0.80

The correlation between AIA and KORU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIA vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIA	KORU
Technology	63.8%	63.4%
Financial Services	16.4%	7.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	5.5%
Communication Services	7.4%	2.1%
Industrials	2.0%	15.2%
Healthcare	0.8%	2.5%
Energy	0.6%	0.9%
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	1.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.3%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

AIA vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 85
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 88

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 89
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 85
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

AIA vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU). 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.

	AIA	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.78	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.78	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.40	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.82	6.23	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.01	17.42	-2.41

AIA vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIA Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 2.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIA and KORU, 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

AIA vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIA drawdown since its inception was -60.89%, smaller than the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIA and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIA	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.89%	-95.79%	+34.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.15%	-66.86%	+52.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.64%	-73.34%	+51.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.67%	-92.82%	+44.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.64%	-95.79%	+41.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.19%	-66.86%	+55.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-57.39%	+40.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	23.85%	-19.32%

Volatility

AIA vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) is 14.46%, while Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 78.13%. This indicates that AIA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KORU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIA	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.46%	78.13%	-63.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.29%	145.83%	-118.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.55%	150.12%	-119.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.54%	93.49%	-66.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.03%	84.08%	-60.05%

AIA vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than KORU's 1.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIA vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

AIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, more than KORU's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.60%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.38%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIA and KORU in my portfolio?

AIA and KORU have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIA or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (78.13%) compared to AIA (14.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIA dropped -60.89% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, AIA or KORU?

On 10-year performance, AIA leads with 13.49% vs 6.31% for KORU. On fees, AIA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, AIA has been the lower-risk option at 14.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIA or KORU?

Over the 10-year period, AIA has performed better with a 13.49% return vs 6.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIA or KORU?

AIA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.32% for KORU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIA or KORU?

AIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.60%, compared with 0.38% for KORU.

What is the main difference between AIA and KORU?

AIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while KORU is South Korea Equities. AIA tracks S&P Asia 50 Index, while KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for AIA and 1.32% for KORU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.24), 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.