MKOR vs. EWY

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MKOR (Matthews Korea Active ETF) and EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) are both Asia Pacific Equities funds. MKOR is actively managed, while EWY is passively managed. Over the past year, MKOR returned 169.65% vs 226.78% for EWY. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MKOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for EWY.

Performance

MKOR vs. EWY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MKOR achieves a 104.00% return, which is significantly lower than EWY's 125.28% return.

MKOR

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 13.77%
• YTD: 104.00%
• 6M: 114.48%
• 1Y: 169.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

EWY

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 20.32%
• YTD: 125.28%
• 6M: 138.71%
• 1Y: 226.78%
• 3Y*: 54.89%
• 5Y*: 21.37%
• 10Y*: 18.13%

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

MKOR vs. EWY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	104.00%	70.33%	-15.76%	-2.52%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	125.28%	95.33%	-20.48%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between MKOR and EWY is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2023	0.95

The correlation between MKOR and EWY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

MKOR vs. EWY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MKOR	EWY
Technology	51.4%	61.4%
Industrials	16.7%	13.8%
Financial Services	9.5%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	5.1%
Communication Services	2.8%	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.6%	2.2%
Healthcare	1.4%	2.9%
Energy	0.6%	0.6%
Utilities	0.5%	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

MKOR vs. EWY — Risk / Return Rank

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

MKOR

MKOR Risk / Return Rank: 94
MKOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MKOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
MKOR Omega Ratio Rank: 92
MKOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
MKOR Martin Ratio Rank: 95

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. EWY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). 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	EWY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.21	4.83	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.22	4.40	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.64	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.28	9.89	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.39	34.51	-4.12

MKOR vs. EWY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKOR Sharpe Ratio is 4.21, which is comparable to the EWY Sharpe Ratio of 4.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKOR and EWY, 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. EWY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKOR drawdown since its inception was -22.09%, smaller than the maximum EWY drawdown of -74.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKOR and EWY.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKOR	EWY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.09%	-74.14%	+52.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.62%	-23.08%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-27.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.55%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-0.08%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.27%	-20.10%	+13.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.61%	6.60%	-0.99%

Volatility

MKOR vs. EWY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is 20.15%, while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a volatility of 26.14%. This indicates that MKOR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EWY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKOR	EWY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.15%	26.14%	-5.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.27%	43.40%	-6.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.62%	47.40%	-6.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.66%	30.51%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.66%	28.24%	+0.42%

MKOR vs. EWY - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MKOR vs. EWY - Dividend Comparison

MKOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than EWY's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	0.93%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	1.29%	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 EWY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MKOR and EWY 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, MKOR or EWY?

EWY has higher volatility (26.14%) compared to MKOR (20.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKOR dropped -22.09% vs EWY's -74.14%.

Which ETF is better, MKOR or EWY?

On 1-year performance, EWY leads with 226.78% vs 169.65% for MKOR. On fees, EWY is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, MKOR has been the lower-risk option at 20.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MKOR or EWY?

Over the 1-year period, EWY has performed better with a 226.78% return vs 169.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKOR or EWY?

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

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

MKOR has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.93% for EWY.

What is the main difference between MKOR and EWY?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MKOR and 0.59% for EWY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.83 vs 4.21), 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.