KORU vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - KORU tracks the MSCI Korea 25-50 Index while SOXL tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KORU returned 19.66%/yr vs 68.93%/yr for SOXL. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KORU charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

KORU vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KORU achieves a 499.60% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 615.61% return. Over the past 10 years, KORU has underperformed SOXL with an annualized return of 19.66%, while SOXL has yielded a comparatively higher 68.93% annualized return.

KORU

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 39.50%
• YTD: 499.60%
• 6M: 608.55%
• 1Y: 1,446.22%
• 3Y*: 132.53%
• 5Y*: 22.39%
• 10Y*: 19.66%

SOXL

• 1D: 7.69%
• 1M: 57.83%
• YTD: 615.61%
• 6M: 595.26%
• 1Y: 1,322.96%
• 3Y*: 141.01%
• 5Y*: 51.34%
• 10Y*: 68.93%

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

KORU vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	499.60%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	167.08%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	615.61%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-85.66%	118.84%	70.04%	231.83%	-39.07%	141.71%

Correlation

The correlation between KORU and SOXL is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2013	0.56

The correlation between KORU and SOXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (all time) to 0.68 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KORU vs. SOXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

KORU vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 96
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 93
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 98

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL 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.

KORU vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	10.51	11.72	-1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.29	4.57	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.65	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	23.83	30.78	-6.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	70.47	99.38	-28.91

KORU vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KORU Sharpe Ratio is 10.51, which is comparable to the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 11.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KORU and SOXL, 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. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KORU drawdown since its inception was -95.79%, which is greater than SOXL's maximum drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KORU and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	KORU	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.79%	-90.46%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-61.39%	-43.47%	-17.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-73.34%	-87.88%	+14.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-93.34%	-90.46%	-2.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-95.79%	-90.46%	-5.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.94%	0.00%	-13.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-57.42%	-34.95%	-22.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.72%	13.44%	+7.28%

Volatility

KORU vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a higher volatility of 80.74% compared to Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) at 62.02%. This indicates that KORU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KORU	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	80.74%	62.02%	+18.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	130.90%	96.02%	+34.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	139.56%	114.45%	+25.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	89.97%	109.85%	-19.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.47%	100.50%	-18.03%

KORU vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

KORU has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

KORU vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.15%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KORU and SOXL in my portfolio?

KORU and SOXL have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KORU or SOXL?

KORU has higher volatility (80.74%) compared to SOXL (62.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KORU dropped -95.79% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, KORU or SOXL?

On 10-year performance, SOXL leads with 68.93% vs 19.66% for KORU. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SOXL has been the lower-risk option at 62.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KORU or SOXL?

Over the 10-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 68.93% return vs 19.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KORU or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for KORU.

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

KORU has the higher dividend yield at 0.15%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between KORU and SOXL?

KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25-50 Index, while SOXL tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for KORU and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.72 vs 10.51), 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.