BRZU vs. KORU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BRZU (Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares) and KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - BRZU tracks the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index while KORU tracks the MSCI Korea 25-50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BRZU returned -16.20%/yr vs 17.48%/yr for KORU. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 1.29% expense ratio.

Performance

BRZU vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) and Direxion Daily 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, BRZU achieves a 12.94% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 478.17% return. Over the past 10 years, BRZU has underperformed KORU with an annualized return of -16.20%, while KORU has yielded a comparatively higher 17.48% annualized return.

BRZU

• 1D: 1.06%
• 1M: -24.13%
• YTD: 12.94%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 58.46%
• 3Y*: 9.40%
• 5Y*: -3.84%
• 10Y*: -16.20%

KORU

• 1D: -12.29%
• 1M: 43.43%
• YTD: 478.17%
• 6M: 617.53%
• 1Y: 1,709.41%
• 3Y*: 122.40%
• 5Y*: 20.22%
• 10Y*: 17.48%

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

BRZU vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	12.94%	97.99%	-57.07%	55.48%	8.30%	-39.23%	-91.34%	57.02%	-37.21%	30.80%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	478.17%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	167.08%

Correlation

The correlation between BRZU and KORU 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	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2013	0.46

BRZU vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BRZU	KORU
Financial Services	32.7%	16.7%
Energy	18.7%	1.4%
Basic Materials	13.7%	2.0%
Utilities	12.8%	0.4%
Industrials	10.9%	20.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	1.8%
Healthcare	2.4%	3.5%
Communication Services	2.2%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	5.8%
Technology	0.9%	52.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

BRZU vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRZU

BRZU Risk / Return Rank: 34
BRZU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
BRZU Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
BRZU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
BRZU Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
BRZU Martin Ratio Rank: 35

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 97
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

BRZU vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) and Direxion Daily 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.

	BRZU	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	13.88	-12.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	4.85	-3.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.67	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	28.19	-26.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.41	89.21	-83.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BRZU vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRZU Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is lower than the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 13.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRZU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BRZU	KORU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.19	13.88	-12.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.07	0.24	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.20	0.22	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.35	0.11	-0.46

Drawdowns

BRZU vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRZU drawdown since its inception was -99.71%, roughly equal to the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRZU and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRZU	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.71%	-95.79%	-3.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-32.39%	-61.39%	+29.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.25%	-73.71%	+15.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-65.00%	-93.35%	+28.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.11%	-95.79%	-2.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.19%	-17.01%	-82.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-89.56%	-57.52%	-32.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.84%	19.36%	-8.52%

Volatility

BRZU vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) is 15.17%, while Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 60.60%. This indicates that BRZU 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

	BRZU	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.17%	60.60%	-45.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.51%	111.66%	-70.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.55%	124.91%	-75.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.37%	85.28%	-29.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	83.13%	79.99%	+3.14%

BRZU vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BRZU and KORU have an expense ratio of 1.29%.

Dividends

BRZU vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

BRZU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, more than KORU's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	2.36%	2.39%	8.73%	3.24%	4.70%	6.29%	0.78%	0.95%	1.04%	0.74%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.16%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRZU and KORU in my portfolio?

BRZU and KORU 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, BRZU or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (60.60%) compared to BRZU (15.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRZU dropped -99.71% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, BRZU or KORU?

On 10-year performance, KORU leads with 17.48% vs -16.20% for BRZU. Both ETFs have the same 1.29% expense ratio. On volatility, BRZU has been the lower-risk option at 15.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRZU or KORU?

Over the 10-year period, KORU has performed better with a 17.48% return vs -16.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRZU or KORU?

BRZU and KORU have the same expense ratio: 1.29% per year.

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

BRZU has the higher dividend yield at 2.36%, compared with 0.16% for KORU.

What is the main difference between BRZU and KORU?

BRZU tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25-50 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (13.88 vs 1.19), 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.