KOKU vs. GQGU

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

KOKU (Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. KOKU is passively managed, while GQGU is actively managed. Over the past year, KOKU returned 19.50% vs 4.74% for GQGU. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. KOKU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for GQGU.

Performance

KOKU vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KOKU achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly higher than GQGU's 5.95% return.

KOKU

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.56%
• 6M: 7.20%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 1Y: 19.50%
• 3Y*: 18.84%
• 5Y*: 11.67%
• 10Y*: —

GQGU

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.42%
• 6M: 6.34%
• YTD: 5.95%
• 1Y: 4.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KOKU vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	9.10%	9.30%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	5.95%	-1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between KOKU and GQGU is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

KOKU vs. GQGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

KOKU

KOKU Risk / Return Rank: 58
KOKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
KOKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
KOKU Omega Ratio Rank: 57
KOKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
KOKU Martin Ratio Rank: 65

GQGU

GQGU Risk / Return Rank: 17
GQGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
GQGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
GQGU Omega Ratio Rank: 16
GQGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
GQGU Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

KOKU vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

	KOKU	GQGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	0.44	+1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	0.71	+1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.08	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.17	0.57	+1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.24	1.38	+7.87

KOKU vs. GQGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KOKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is higher than the GQGU Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KOKU and GQGU, 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

KOKU vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KOKU drawdown since its inception was -25.77%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -8.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KOKU and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	KOKU	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-8.41%	-17.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-8.41%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-5.24%	+3.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-2.89%	-1.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	3.45%	-1.34%

Volatility

KOKU vs. GQGU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is 3.14%, while GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) has a volatility of 4.59%. This indicates that KOKU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GQGU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KOKU	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	4.59%	-1.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.24%	8.53%	+1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.51%	10.72%	+1.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.50%	10.72%	+5.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.78%	10.72%	+6.06%

KOKU vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

KOKU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than GQGU's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

KOKU vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

KOKU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, more than GQGU's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KOKU Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF	1.44%	1.48%	1.63%	1.76%	1.98%	1.89%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KOKU and GQGU in my portfolio?

KOKU and GQGU have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KOKU or GQGU?

GQGU has higher volatility (4.59%) compared to KOKU (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KOKU dropped -25.77% vs GQGU's -8.41%.

Which ETF is better, KOKU or GQGU?

On 1-year performance, KOKU leads with 19.50% vs 4.74% for GQGU. On fees, KOKU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KOKU has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KOKU or GQGU?

Over the 1-year period, KOKU has performed better with a 19.50% return vs 4.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KOKU or GQGU?

KOKU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for GQGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KOKU or GQGU?

KOKU has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 0.96% for GQGU.

What is the main difference between KOKU and GQGU?

They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and GQG Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for KOKU and 0.49% for GQGU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KOKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 0.44), 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.