FRDM vs. KDEF

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) and KDEF (PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while KDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the The Korea Defence Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FRDM returned 87.32% vs 23.84% for KDEF. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FRDM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for KDEF.

Performance

FRDM vs. KDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRDM achieves a 40.13% return, which is significantly higher than KDEF's 10.00% return.

FRDM

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 9.04%
• YTD: 40.13%
• 6M: 46.37%
• 1Y: 87.32%
• 3Y*: 34.29%
• 5Y*: 18.68%
• 10Y*: —

KDEF

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: -9.85%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 13.24%
• 1Y: 23.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FRDM vs. KDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	40.13%	52.41%
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	10.00%	116.28%

Correlation

The correlation between FRDM and KDEF is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

FRDM vs. KDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 92
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

KDEF

KDEF Risk / Return Rank: 21
KDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
KDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
KDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 22
KDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

FRDM vs. KDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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.

	FRDM	KDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.15	0.60	+2.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.68	1.10	+2.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.13	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.02	0.78	+4.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.36	2.48	+16.88

FRDM vs. KDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRDM Sharpe Ratio is 3.15, which is higher than the KDEF Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRDM and KDEF, 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

FRDM vs. KDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRDM drawdown since its inception was -40.49%, which is greater than KDEF's maximum drawdown of -35.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRDM and KDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRDM	KDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.49%	-35.55%	-4.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.87%	-35.55%	+18.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.36%	-26.83%	+22.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-6.96%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.37%	11.09%	-6.72%

Volatility

FRDM vs. KDEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) is 14.27%, while PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) has a volatility of 18.52%. This indicates that FRDM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KDEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRDM	KDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.27%	18.52%	-4.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.39%	38.55%	-14.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.86%	46.43%	-19.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.35%	47.55%	-26.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.09%	47.55%	-24.46%

FRDM vs. KDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRDM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than KDEF's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRDM vs. KDEF - Dividend Comparison

FRDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, less than KDEF's 6.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.56%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	6.25%	5.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRDM and KDEF in my portfolio?

FRDM and KDEF have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FRDM or KDEF?

KDEF has higher volatility (18.52%) compared to FRDM (14.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRDM dropped -40.49% vs KDEF's -35.55%.

Which ETF is better, FRDM or KDEF?

On 1-year performance, FRDM leads with 87.32% vs 23.84% for KDEF. On fees, FRDM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, FRDM has been the lower-risk option at 14.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FRDM or KDEF?

Over the 1-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 87.32% return vs 23.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FRDM or KDEF?

FRDM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for KDEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FRDM or KDEF?

KDEF has the higher dividend yield at 6.25%, compared with 1.56% for FRDM.

What is the main difference between FRDM and KDEF?

FRDM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while KDEF is Aerospace & Defense. FRDM tracks Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index, while KDEF tracks The Korea Defence Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Freedom Funds and PLUS. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for FRDM and 0.65% for KDEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.15 vs 0.60), 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.