FLKR vs. KORU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while KORU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea 25-50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLKR returned 19.48%/yr vs 23.42%/yr for KORU. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for KORU.

Performance

FLKR vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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, FLKR achieves a 114.41% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 559.14% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 29.00%
• YTD: 114.41%
• 6M: 130.14%
• 1Y: 238.40%
• 3Y*: 51.14%
• 5Y*: 19.48%
• 10Y*: —

KORU

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: 92.47%
• YTD: 559.14%
• 6M: 689.29%
• 1Y: 2,160.10%
• 3Y*: 132.56%
• 5Y*: 23.42%
• 10Y*: 19.62%

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

FLKR vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	114.41%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	2.84%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	559.14%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	3.15%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and KORU is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2017	0.97

The correlation between FLKR and KORU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLKR vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLKR	KORU
Technology	64.3%	52.3%
Industrials	12.8%	20.4%
Financial Services	7.6%	16.7%
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	5.8%
Basic Materials	2.6%	2.0%
Healthcare	2.5%	3.5%
Communication Services	1.6%	2.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	1.8%
Energy	0.4%	1.4%
Utilities	0.3%	0.4%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 96
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 97
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

FLKR vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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.

	FLKR	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	5.83	17.63	-11.80
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	5.23	5.20	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.73	1.72	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.42	35.65	-25.22
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	38.67	112.99	-74.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLKR vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 5.83, which is lower than the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 17.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR 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

	FLKR	KORU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.83	17.63	-11.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.28	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.13	+0.43

Drawdowns

FLKR vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, smaller than the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-95.79%	+45.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.03%	-61.39%	+38.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-73.71%	+47.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.51%	-93.35%	+43.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.77%	-5.39%	+3.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.07%	-57.53%	+35.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.20%	19.33%	-13.13%

Volatility

FLKR vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) is 20.21%, while Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 60.18%. This indicates that FLKR 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

	FLKR	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.21%	60.18%	-39.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.52%	110.71%	-74.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.18%	124.15%	-82.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.19%	85.11%	-56.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.56%	79.91%	-52.35%

FLKR vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLKR has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than KORU's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLKR vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, more than KORU's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.80%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.14%	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 FLKR and KORU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, FLKR and KORU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FLKR or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (60.18%) compared to FLKR (20.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or KORU?

On 5-year performance, KORU leads with 23.42% vs 19.48% for FLKR. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FLKR has been the lower-risk option at 20.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or KORU?

Over the 5-year period, KORU has performed better with a 23.42% return vs 19.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or KORU?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for KORU.

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 1.80%, compared with 0.14% for KORU.

What is the main difference between FLKR and KORU?

FLKR is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while KORU is Leveraged Equities. FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25-50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 1.29% for KORU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (17.63 vs 5.83), 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.