MKOR vs. EPHE

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MKOR (Matthews Korea Active ETF) and EPHE (iShares MSCI Philippines ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MKOR is a South Korea Equities fund actively managed by Matthews, while EPHE is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Philippines Investable Market Index. MKOR is actively managed, while EPHE is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MKOR returned 32.29%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for EPHE. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MKOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EPHE.

Performance

MKOR vs. EPHE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MKOR achieves a 64.92% return, which is significantly higher than EPHE's 3.96% return.

MKOR

• 1D: -3.80%
• 1M: -17.01%
• 6M: 46.60%
• YTD: 64.92%
• 1Y: 106.40%
• 3Y*: 32.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EPHE

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: -2.34%
• 6M: -1.79%
• YTD: 3.96%
• 1Y: -0.89%
• 3Y*: 0.36%
• 5Y*: -0.64%
• 10Y*: -3.21%

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

MKOR vs. EPHE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	64.92%	70.33%	-15.76%	-2.52%
EPHE iShares MSCI Philippines ETF	3.96%	1.56%	-1.41%	-2.84%

Correlation

The correlation between MKOR and EPHE is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2023	0.36

MKOR vs. EPHE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MKOR	EPHE
Technology	52.6%	-
Industrials	24.4%	30.8%
Financial Services	9.0%	20.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	12.7%
Communication Services	2.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	4.5%
Healthcare	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.1%
Energy	0.7%	1.3%
Utilities	0.6%	13.5%
Real Estate	-	11.2%

Return for Risk

MKOR vs. EPHE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MKOR

MKOR Risk / Return Rank: 87
MKOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
MKOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
MKOR Omega Ratio Rank: 84
MKOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
MKOR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

EPHE

EPHE Risk / Return Rank: 9
EPHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
EPHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
EPHE Omega Ratio Rank: 9
EPHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
EPHE Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

MKOR vs. EPHE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE). 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.

	MKOR	EPHE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	-0.04	+2.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	0.09	+2.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.01	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.19	-0.06	+5.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.22	-0.10	+16.32

MKOR vs. EPHE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKOR Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the EPHE Sharpe Ratio of -0.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKOR and EPHE, 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

MKOR vs. EPHE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKOR drawdown since its inception was -22.09%, smaller than the maximum EPHE drawdown of -53.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKOR and EPHE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKOR	EPHE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.09%	-53.82%	+31.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.62%	-15.90%	-4.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.09%	-21.42%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.96%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.62%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.99%	-31.26%	+11.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.42%	-21.07%	+14.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.59%	8.83%	-2.24%

Volatility

MKOR vs. EPHE - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) has a higher volatility of 17.43% compared to iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE) at 7.10%. This indicates that MKOR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EPHE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKOR	EPHE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.43%	7.10%	+10.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.71%	15.94%	+24.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.45%	20.56%	+22.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.89%	18.44%	+11.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.89%	22.28%	+7.61%

MKOR vs. EPHE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MKOR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than EPHE's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

MKOR vs. EPHE - Dividend Comparison

MKOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, less than EPHE's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPHE iShares MSCI Philippines ETF	2.67%	2.11%	2.32%	2.01%	1.73%	1.05%	0.72%	0.78%	0.45%	0.36%	0.71%	1.03%
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	1.59%	2.62%	5.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MKOR and EPHE in my portfolio?

MKOR and EPHE have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MKOR or EPHE?

MKOR has higher volatility (17.43%) compared to EPHE (7.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKOR dropped -22.09% vs EPHE's -53.82%.

Which ETF is better, MKOR or EPHE?

On 3-year performance, MKOR leads with 32.29% vs 0.36% for EPHE. On fees, EPHE is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, EPHE has been the lower-risk option at 7.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MKOR or EPHE?

Over the 3-year period, MKOR has performed better with a 32.29% return vs 0.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKOR or EPHE?

EPHE is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MKOR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MKOR or EPHE?

EPHE has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 1.59% for MKOR.

What is the main difference between MKOR and EPHE?

MKOR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while EPHE is Asia Pacific Equities. They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MKOR and 0.59% for EPHE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs -0.04), 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.