KORU vs. FLKR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) and FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KORU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea 25-50 Index, while FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KORU returned 11.21%/yr vs 17.46%/yr for FLKR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. KORU charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLKR.

Performance

KORU vs. FLKR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KORU achieves a 285.56% return, which is significantly higher than FLKR's 97.22% return.

KORU

• 1D: -35.70%
• 1M: -10.30%
• YTD: 285.56%
• 6M: 341.44%
• 1Y: 858.44%
• 3Y*: 100.70%
• 5Y*: 11.21%
• 10Y*: 14.49%

FLKR

• 1D: -12.51%
• 1M: 7.54%
• YTD: 97.22%
• 6M: 107.52%
• 1Y: 178.78%
• 3Y*: 48.47%
• 5Y*: 17.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

KORU vs. FLKR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	285.56%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	3.73%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	97.22%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%

Correlation

The correlation between KORU and FLKR 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 6, 2017	0.97

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

KORU vs. FLKR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KORU	FLKR
Technology	63.4%	62.9%
Industrials	15.2%	14.6%
Financial Services	7.4%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	6.3%
Healthcare	2.5%	2.4%
Communication Services	2.1%	2.0%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	1.4%
Energy	0.9%	0.7%
Utilities	0.3%	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

KORU vs. FLKR — Risk / Return Rank

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

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 93
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 88
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 97

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 92
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 89
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

KORU vs. FLKR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). 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.

	KORU	FLKR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.02	3.71	+2.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	3.60	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.54	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	14.12	7.81	+6.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	41.38	26.91	+14.47

KORU vs. FLKR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KORU Sharpe Ratio is 6.02, which is higher than the FLKR Sharpe Ratio of 3.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KORU and FLKR, 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

KORU vs. FLKR - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	KORU	FLKR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.79%	-50.06%	-45.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-61.39%	-23.03%	-38.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-73.34%	-26.39%	-46.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-93.34%	-49.51%	-43.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-95.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.66%	-12.51%	-32.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-57.41%	-21.98%	-35.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.91%	6.67%	+14.24%

Volatility

KORU vs. FLKR - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a higher volatility of 92.27% compared to Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) at 30.00%. This indicates that KORU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLKR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KORU	FLKR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	92.27%	30.00%	+62.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	138.63%	45.17%	+93.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	144.16%	48.46%	+95.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	91.40%	30.50%	+60.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	83.03%	28.88%	+54.15%

KORU vs. FLKR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

KORU vs. FLKR - Dividend Comparison

KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than FLKR's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.86%	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	0.24%	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 KORU and FLKR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, KORU and FLKR 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, KORU or FLKR?

KORU has higher volatility (92.27%) compared to FLKR (30.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KORU dropped -95.79% vs FLKR's -50.06%.

Which ETF is better, KORU or FLKR?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 17.46% vs 11.21% for KORU. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FLKR has been the lower-risk option at 30.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KORU or FLKR?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 17.46% return vs 11.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KORU or FLKR?

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

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 0.24% for KORU.

What is the main difference between KORU and FLKR?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.02 vs 3.71), 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.