KMLI vs. KORU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

KMLI (KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - KMLI is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by KraneShares, while KORU is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. KMLI is actively managed, while KORU is passively managed. Over the past year, KMLI returned -56.04% vs 347.48% for KORU. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KMLI charges 1.26%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for KORU.

Performance

KMLI vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF (KMLI) 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, KMLI achieves a -28.41% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 105.44% return.

KMLI

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 20.50%
• 6M: -32.99%
• YTD: -28.41%
• 1Y: -56.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KORU

• 1D: -14.72%
• 1M: -59.41%
• 6M: 40.56%
• YTD: 105.44%
• 1Y: 347.48%
• 3Y*: 53.48%
• 5Y*: -0.18%
• 10Y*: 4.90%

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

KMLI vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KMLI KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF	-28.41%	-38.14%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	105.44%	173.19%

Correlation

The correlation between KMLI and KORU is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2025	0.22

KMLI vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KMLI	KORU
Consumer Cyclical	100.0%	5.5%
Basic Materials	-	1.4%
Communication Services	-	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.3%
Energy	-	0.9%
Financial Services	-	7.4%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Industrials	-	15.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	63.4%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

KMLI vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

KMLI

KMLI Risk / Return Rank: 3
KMLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
KMLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
KMLI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
KMLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
KMLI Martin Ratio Rank: 3

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 84
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 80
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

KMLI vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF (KMLI) 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.

	KMLI	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.71	2.31	-3.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.81	2.63	-3.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.37	-0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	4.97	-5.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.25	14.03	-15.28

KMLI vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMLI Sharpe Ratio is -0.71, which is lower than the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMLI 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

KMLI vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMLI drawdown since its inception was -73.23%, smaller than the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMLI and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMLI	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.23%	-95.79%	+22.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-69.49%	-70.51%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-73.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-92.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-63.16%	-70.51%	+7.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.67%	-57.39%	+13.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	44.81%	24.92%	+19.89%

Volatility

KMLI vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF (KMLI) is 17.99%, while Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 70.60%. This indicates that KMLI 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

	KMLI	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.99%	70.60%	-52.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	60.32%	147.53%	-87.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	79.27%	151.62%	-72.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	77.86%	94.03%	-16.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	77.86%	84.35%	-6.49%

KMLI vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMLI has a 1.26% expense ratio, which is lower than KORU's 1.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMLI vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

KMLI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.85%, more than KORU's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KMLI KraneShares 2x Long MELI Daily ETF	14.85%	10.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.42%	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 KMLI and KORU in my portfolio?

KMLI and KORU have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMLI or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (70.60%) compared to KMLI (17.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMLI dropped -73.23% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, KMLI or KORU?

On 1-year performance, KORU leads with 347.48% vs -56.04% for KMLI. On fees, KMLI is cheaper at 1.26% per year. On volatility, KMLI has been the lower-risk option at 17.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KMLI or KORU?

Over the 1-year period, KORU has performed better with a 347.48% return vs -56.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KMLI or KORU?

KMLI is cheaper with a 1.26% expense ratio, compared with 1.32% for KORU.

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

KMLI has the higher dividend yield at 14.85%, compared with 0.42% for KORU.

What is the main difference between KMLI and KORU?

KMLI is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while KORU is South Korea Equities. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.26% for KMLI and 1.32% for KORU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs -0.71), 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.