MKOR vs. EPP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MKOR (Matthews Korea Active ETF) and EPP (iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds. MKOR is actively managed, while EPP is passively managed. Over the past year, MKOR returned 187.66% vs 17.40% for EPP. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MKOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for EPP.

Performance

MKOR vs. EPP - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MKOR achieves a 96.84% return, which is significantly higher than EPP's 9.57% return.

MKOR

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 16.82%
• YTD: 96.84%
• 6M: 107.34%
• 1Y: 187.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EPP

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 9.57%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 17.40%
• 3Y*: 13.26%
• 5Y*: 4.65%
• 10Y*: 7.60%

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

MKOR vs. EPP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	96.84%	70.33%	-15.76%	-2.16%
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	9.57%	19.70%	4.76%	2.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MKOR and EPP is 0.58, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 18, 2023	0.60

The correlation between MKOR and EPP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

MKOR vs. EPP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MKOR	EPP
Technology	56.1%	1.1%
Industrials	15.0%	8.6%
Financial Services	8.0%	46.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.0%	6.0%
Communication Services	2.1%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	3.0%
Healthcare	1.5%	3.7%
Basic Materials	0.8%	14.6%
Energy	0.6%	2.9%
Utilities	0.6%	3.6%
Real Estate	-	7.8%

Return for Risk

MKOR vs. EPP — Risk / Return Rank

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

MKOR

MKOR Risk / Return Rank: 96
MKOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MKOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
MKOR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
MKOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MKOR Martin Ratio Rank: 96

EPP

EPP Risk / Return Rank: 35
EPP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
EPP Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
EPP Omega Ratio Rank: 32
EPP Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
EPP Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. EPP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP). 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.

	MKOR	EPP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.08	1.20	+3.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.94	1.74	+3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.70	1.22	+0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.16	1.99	+7.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.31	6.27	+29.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MKOR vs. EPP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKOR Sharpe Ratio is 5.08, which is higher than the EPP Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKOR and EPP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MKOR	EPP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.08	1.20	+3.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.40	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.57	0.39	+1.18

Drawdowns

MKOR vs. EPP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKOR drawdown since its inception was -22.09%, smaller than the maximum EPP drawdown of -66.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKOR and EPP.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKOR	EPP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.09%	-66.01%	+43.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.62%	-8.79%	-11.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.31%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-2.79%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.22%	-10.62%	+4.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.34%	2.78%	+2.56%

Volatility

MKOR vs. EPP - Volatility Comparison

Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) has a higher volatility of 17.87% compared to iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) at 4.65%. This indicates that MKOR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EPP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKOR	EPP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.87%	4.65%	+13.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.29%	11.94%	+21.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.15%	14.51%	+22.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.06%	17.41%	+9.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.06%	19.11%	+7.95%

MKOR vs. EPP - Expense Ratio Comparison

MKOR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than EPP's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

MKOR vs. EPP - Dividend Comparison

MKOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, less than EPP's 3.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPP iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF	3.44%	3.77%	3.81%	4.10%	4.37%	4.58%	2.28%	3.89%	5.00%	4.15%	3.96%	4.90%
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	1.33%	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 EPP in my portfolio?

MKOR and EPP have a correlation of 0.58, 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 EPP?

MKOR has higher volatility (17.87%) compared to EPP (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKOR dropped -22.09% vs EPP's -66.01%.

Which ETF is better, MKOR or EPP?

On 1-year performance, MKOR leads with 187.66% vs 17.40% for EPP. On fees, EPP is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, EPP has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MKOR or EPP?

Over the 1-year period, MKOR has performed better with a 187.66% return vs 17.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKOR or EPP?

EPP is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MKOR.

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

EPP has the higher dividend yield at 3.44%, compared with 1.33% for MKOR.

What is the main difference between MKOR and EPP?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MKOR and 0.48% for EPP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.08 vs 1.20), 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.