EAD vs. KF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EAD (Emerging Markets Dividend Fund) and KF (The Korea Fund Inc) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, EAD returned 7.31%/yr vs 18.06%/yr for KF. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EAD charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for KF.

Performance

EAD vs. KF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Emerging Markets Dividend Fund (EAD) and The Korea Fund Inc (KF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EAD achieves a -0.79% return, which is significantly lower than KF's 119.60% return. Over the past 10 years, EAD has underperformed KF with an annualized return of 7.31%, while KF has yielded a comparatively higher 18.06% annualized return.

EAD

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -0.93%
• 1Y: 2.08%
• 3Y*: 10.42%
• 5Y*: 3.04%
• 10Y*: 7.31%

KF

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 20.74%
• YTD: 119.60%
• 6M: 124.41%
• 1Y: 213.32%
• 3Y*: 52.60%
• 5Y*: 21.40%
• 10Y*: 18.06%

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

EAD vs. KF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EAD Emerging Markets Dividend Fund	-0.79%	8.05%	15.86%	11.94%	-23.08%	21.62%	6.35%	27.22%	-6.52%	7.80%
KF The Korea Fund Inc	119.60%	99.36%	-19.29%	12.34%	-30.02%	8.44%	37.14%	6.83%	-19.26%	42.50%

Correlation

The correlation between EAD and KF is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2003	0.31

Return for Risk

EAD vs. KF — Risk / Return Rank

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

EAD

EAD Risk / Return Rank: 4
EAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
EAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
EAD Omega Ratio Rank: 4
EAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
EAD Martin Ratio Rank: 5

KF

KF Risk / Return Rank: 96
KF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
KF Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
KF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
KF Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
KF Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

EAD vs. KF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Emerging Markets Dividend Fund (EAD) and The Korea Fund Inc (KF). 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.

	EAD	KF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	4.84	-4.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.40	4.49	-4.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.67	-0.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	8.45	-8.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.96	30.35	-29.39

EAD vs. KF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EAD Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is lower than the KF Sharpe Ratio of 4.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EAD and KF, 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

EAD vs. KF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EAD drawdown since its inception was -67.37%, smaller than the maximum KF drawdown of -85.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EAD and KF.

Drawdown Indicators

	EAD	KF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.37%	-85.25%	+17.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.16%	-25.42%	+17.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.65%	-28.04%	+15.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-47.62%	+18.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.54%	-52.91%	+11.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.47%	-0.36%	-3.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.14%	-37.85%	+30.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.17%	7.06%	-4.89%

Volatility

EAD vs. KF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Emerging Markets Dividend Fund (EAD) is 2.34%, while The Korea Fund Inc (KF) has a volatility of 23.31%. This indicates that EAD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EAD	KF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.34%	23.31%	-20.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.45%	40.70%	-33.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.42%	44.46%	-35.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.60%	28.77%	-15.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.14%	26.62%	-10.48%

EAD vs. KF - Expense Ratio Comparison

EAD has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than KF's 0.02% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EAD vs. KF - Dividend Comparison

EAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.01%, more than KF's 0.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EAD Emerging Markets Dividend Fund	10.01%	9.47%	9.08%	9.07%	10.97%	7.59%	8.51%	8.44%	9.11%	8.58%	9.62%	10.95%
KF The Korea Fund Inc	0.55%	1.20%	2.46%	0.00%	15.93%	26.50%	1.30%	0.24%	18.67%	9.75%	1.03%	13.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EAD and KF in my portfolio?

EAD and KF have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EAD or KF?

KF has higher volatility (23.31%) compared to EAD (2.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EAD dropped -67.37% vs KF's -85.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.84 vs 0.22), 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.