MKOR vs. KORU

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MKOR (Matthews Korea Active ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both South Korea Equities funds. MKOR is actively managed, while KORU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MKOR returned 29.91%/yr vs 42.96%/yr for KORU. Their correlation of 0.95 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MKOR charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for KORU.

Performance

MKOR vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MKOR achieves a 55.62% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 65.13% return.

MKOR

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -12.41%
• 6M: 23.47%
• YTD: 55.62%
• 1Y: 103.69%
• 3Y*: 29.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 29.17%

KORU

• 1D: -7.92%
• 1M: -44.63%
• 6M: -13.80%
• YTD: 65.13%
• 1Y: 302.72%
• 3Y*: 42.96%
• 5Y*: -3.04%
• 10Y*: 2.30%
• ALL TIME*: -1.22%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	$685.69M	$790.89M	$775.54M
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	$718.06K	$1.21M	$1.53M

MKOR vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	55.62%	70.33%	-15.76%	-2.52%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	65.13%	432.73%	-62.18%	-11.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MKOR and KORU is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2023	0.95

The correlation between MKOR and KORU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

MKOR vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MKOR	KORU
Technology	51.5%	61.3%
Industrials	24.6%	15.4%
Financial Services	10.1%	8.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	4.7%
Communication Services	2.4%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	1.7%
Healthcare	1.6%	3.1%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.2%
Energy	0.7%	1.0%
Utilities	0.6%	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

MKOR vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MKOR

MKOR Risk / Return Rank: 85
MKOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
MKOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
MKOR Omega Ratio Rank: 83
MKOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
MKOR Martin Ratio Rank: 86

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 78
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 80
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MKOR vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU). 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	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.68	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.44	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.34	3.32	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.22	9.21	+3.01

MKOR vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MKOR Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MKOR and KORU, 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. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MKOR drawdown since its inception was -29.42%, smaller than the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MKOR and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MKOR	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.42%	-95.79%	+66.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.42%	-80.90%	+51.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.42%	-80.90%	+51.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-92.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.50%	-76.30%	+51.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-57.44%	+50.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.02%	29.12%	-21.10%

Volatility

MKOR vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is 16.44%, while Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 64.87%. This indicates that MKOR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KORU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MKOR	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.44%	64.87%	-48.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.19%	154.02%	-111.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.23%	159.66%	-114.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.56%	96.56%	-66.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.56%	85.82%	-55.26%

MKOR vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MKOR has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than KORU's 1.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

MKOR vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

MKOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.69%, more than KORU's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.53%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%
MKOR Matthews Korea Active ETF	1.69%	2.62%	5.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MKOR and KORU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, MKOR and KORU 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 KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (64.87%) compared to MKOR (16.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MKOR dropped -29.42% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, MKOR or KORU?

On 3-year performance, KORU leads with 42.96% vs 29.91% for MKOR. On fees, MKOR is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, MKOR has been the lower-risk option at 16.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MKOR or KORU?

Over the 3-year period, KORU has performed better with a 42.96% return vs 29.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MKOR or KORU?

MKOR is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.32% for KORU.

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

MKOR has the higher dividend yield at 1.69%, compared with 0.53% for KORU.

What is the main difference between MKOR and KORU?

They also come from different issuers: Matthews and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for MKOR and 1.32% for KORU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MKOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.68), 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.