NRGU vs. KORU

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) and KORU (Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%), while KORU is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NRGU returned 143.73% vs 406.75% for KORU. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NRGU charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.32%/yr for KORU.

Performance

NRGU vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) 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, NRGU achieves a 147.63% return, which is significantly higher than KORU's 139.37% return.

NRGU

• 1D: 4.67%
• 1M: 49.07%
• 6M: 118.31%
• YTD: 147.63%
• 1Y: 143.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 47.61%

KORU

• 1D: 18.03%
• 1M: -60.16%
• 6M: 64.51%
• YTD: 139.37%
• 1Y: 406.75%
• 3Y*: 65.37%
• 5Y*: 3.37%
• 10Y*: 6.71%
• ALL TIME*: 1.58%

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

NRGU vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	147.63%	-30.00%
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	139.37%	270.03%

Correlation

The correlation between NRGU and KORU is -0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.01

NRGU vs. KORU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NRGU	KORU
Energy	100.0%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.2%
Communication Services	-	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.7%
Financial Services	-	8.8%
Healthcare	-	3.1%
Industrials	-	15.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	61.3%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

NRGU vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 69
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 63
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 57

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 90
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 86
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

NRGU vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) 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.

	NRGU	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.69	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.76	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.39	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	5.76	-2.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.35	15.72	-8.37

NRGU vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NRGU Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is lower than the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NRGU 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

NRGU vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NRGU drawdown since its inception was -57.50%, smaller than the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NRGU and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NRGU	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.50%	-95.79%	+38.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.89%	-71.13%	+27.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-73.34%	—
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	-14.59%	-65.64%	+51.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.98%	-57.40%	+31.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.63%	26.04%	-6.41%

Volatility

NRGU vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) is 22.33%, while Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 70.29%. This indicates that NRGU 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

	NRGU	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.33%	70.29%	-47.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	63.72%	148.29%	-84.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	77.11%	152.54%	-75.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	88.94%	94.31%	-5.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	88.94%	84.57%	+4.37%

NRGU vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NRGU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than KORU's 1.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

NRGU vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.36%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	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 NRGU and KORU in my portfolio?

NRGU and KORU have a correlation of -0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NRGU or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (70.29%) compared to NRGU (22.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NRGU dropped -57.50% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, NRGU or KORU?

On 1-year performance, KORU leads with 406.75% vs 143.73% for NRGU. On fees, NRGU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, NRGU has been the lower-risk option at 22.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NRGU or KORU?

Over the 1-year period, KORU has performed better with a 406.75% return vs 143.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NRGU or KORU?

NRGU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.32% for KORU.

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

KORU has the higher dividend yield at 0.36%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between NRGU and KORU?

NRGU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while KORU is South Korea Equities. NRGU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%), while KORU tracks MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: BMO and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for NRGU and 1.32% for KORU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 1.88), 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.