SMU vs. KORU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SMU (Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. SMU is actively managed, while KORU is passively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMU charges 1.30%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for KORU.

Performance

SMU vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) and Direxion Daily 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, SMU achieves a -57.47% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 478.17% return.

SMU

• 1D: -5.18%
• 1M: -9.35%
• YTD: -57.47%
• 6M: -84.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KORU

• 1D: -12.29%
• 1M: 43.43%
• YTD: 478.17%
• 6M: 617.53%
• 1Y: 1,709.41%
• 3Y*: 122.40%
• 5Y*: 20.22%
• 10Y*: 17.48%

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

SMU vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMU Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF	-57.47%	-92.36%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	478.17%	122.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SMU and KORU is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

SMU vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 97
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 94
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

SMU vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) and Direxion Daily 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMU	KORU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	13.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.22	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.48	0.11	-0.59

Drawdowns

SMU vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMU drawdown since its inception was -98.68%, roughly equal to the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMU and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMU	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.68%	-95.79%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-61.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-73.71%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-93.35%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.20%	-17.01%	-81.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-75.98%	-57.52%	-18.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	19.36%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SMU	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	60.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	111.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	203.70%	124.91%	+78.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	203.70%	85.28%	+118.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	203.70%	79.99%	+123.71%

SMU vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMU has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than KORU's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMU vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

SMU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.16%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%
SMU Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF	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 SMU and KORU in my portfolio?

SMU and KORU have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, SMU or KORU?

On fees, KORU is cheaper at 1.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMU or KORU?

KORU is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for SMU.

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

KORU has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.00% for SMU.

What is the main difference between SMU and KORU?

They also come from different issuers: Tradr and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for SMU and 1.29% for KORU.