KORU vs. SPUU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - KORU tracks the MSCI Korea 25-50 Index while SPUU tracks the S&P 500 Index (200% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KORU returned 17.17%/yr vs 25.28%/yr for SPUU. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KORU charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

KORU vs. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KORU achieves a 356.66% return, which is significantly higher than SPUU's 13.24% return. Over the past 10 years, KORU has underperformed SPUU with an annualized return of 17.17%, while SPUU has yielded a comparatively higher 25.28% annualized return.

KORU

• 1D: 11.85%
• 1M: -18.31%
• YTD: 356.66%
• 6M: 393.86%
• 1Y: 905.39%
• 3Y*: 110.38%
• 5Y*: 14.71%
• 10Y*: 17.17%

SPUU

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -4.55%
• YTD: 13.24%
• 6M: 10.22%
• 1Y: 39.60%
• 3Y*: 34.71%
• 5Y*: 18.25%
• 10Y*: 25.28%

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

KORU vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	356.66%	432.73%	-62.18%	28.61%	-70.16%	-33.86%	48.78%	5.47%	-59.89%	167.08%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	13.24%	26.55%	44.25%	47.28%	-38.72%	61.27%	21.85%	66.84%	-14.59%	44.33%

Correlation

The correlation between KORU and SPUU is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2014	0.60

The correlation between KORU and SPUU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

KORU vs. SPUU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KORU	SPUU
Technology	63.4%	39.0%
Industrials	15.2%	7.8%
Financial Services	7.4%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	9.9%
Healthcare	2.5%	8.3%
Communication Services	2.1%	10.6%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	4.5%
Energy	0.9%	3.1%
Utilities	0.3%	2.1%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

KORU vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 95
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 92
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 98

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). 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	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.35	1.59	+4.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	2.11	+1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.28	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	14.90	2.19	+12.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	43.11	9.22	+33.89

KORU vs. SPUU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KORU Sharpe Ratio is 6.35, which is higher than the SPUU Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KORU and SPUU, 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. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KORU drawdown since its inception was -95.79%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KORU and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	KORU	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.79%	-59.35%	-36.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-61.39%	-18.19%	-43.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-73.34%	-35.18%	-38.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-93.34%	-46.59%	-46.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-95.79%	-59.35%	-36.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.45%	-6.69%	-27.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-57.40%	-9.48%	-47.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.18%	4.31%	+16.87%

Volatility

KORU vs. SPUU - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a higher volatility of 88.86% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) at 9.51%. This indicates that KORU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPUU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KORU	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	88.86%	9.51%	+79.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	139.03%	19.81%	+119.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	144.03%	25.05%	+118.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	91.57%	33.67%	+57.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	83.10%	35.79%	+47.31%

KORU vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

KORU has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

KORU vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%, less than SPUU's 1.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.19%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%	0.00%	0.00%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	1.39%	1.63%	0.55%	0.83%	0.88%	3.04%	8.03%	1.80%	5.50%	6.96%	8.08%	4.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KORU and SPUU in my portfolio?

KORU and SPUU have a correlation of 0.64, 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 SPUU?

KORU has higher volatility (88.86%) compared to SPUU (9.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KORU dropped -95.79% vs SPUU's -59.35%.

Which ETF is better, KORU or SPUU?

On 10-year performance, SPUU leads with 25.28% vs 17.17% for KORU. On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SPUU has been the lower-risk option at 9.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KORU or SPUU?

Over the 10-year period, SPUU has performed better with a 25.28% return vs 17.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KORU or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for KORU.

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

SPUU has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 0.19% for KORU.

What is the main difference between KORU and SPUU?

KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25-50 Index, while SPUU tracks S&P 500 Index (200% Daily). Their fees differ too: 1.29% for KORU and 0.60% for SPUU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.35 vs 1.59), 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.