UPSX vs. KORU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UPSX (Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF) and KORU (Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. UPSX is actively managed, while KORU is passively managed. Over the past year, UPSX returned -85.85% vs 858.44% for KORU. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UPSX charges 1.30%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for KORU.

Performance

UPSX vs. KORU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF (UPSX) 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, UPSX achieves a -63.13% return, which is significantly lower than KORU's 285.56% return.

UPSX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 14.06%
• YTD: -63.13%
• 6M: -70.79%
• 1Y: -85.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KORU

• 1D: -35.70%
• 1M: -10.30%
• YTD: 285.56%
• 6M: 341.44%
• 1Y: 858.44%
• 3Y*: 100.70%
• 5Y*: 11.21%
• 10Y*: 14.49%

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

UPSX vs. KORU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
UPSX Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF	-63.13%	-61.18%
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	285.56%	178.91%

Correlation

The correlation between UPSX and KORU is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2025	0.29

Return for Risk

UPSX vs. KORU — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPSX

UPSX Risk / Return Rank: 3
UPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
UPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
UPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
UPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
UPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

KORU

KORU Risk / Return Rank: 93
KORU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
KORU Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
KORU Omega Ratio Rank: 88
KORU Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
KORU Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

UPSX vs. KORU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF (UPSX) 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.

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.

	UPSX	KORU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.61	6.02	-6.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.88	3.56	-4.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.53	-0.63
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.90	14.12	-15.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.14	41.38	-42.53

UPSX vs. KORU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPSX Sharpe Ratio is -0.61, which is lower than the KORU Sharpe Ratio of 6.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPSX 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

UPSX vs. KORU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPSX drawdown since its inception was -95.01%, roughly equal to the maximum KORU drawdown of -95.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPSX and KORU.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPSX	KORU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.01%	-95.79%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-95.01%	-61.39%	-33.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-73.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-93.34%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-92.74%	-44.66%	-48.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.11%	-57.41%	-9.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	74.96%	20.91%	+54.05%

Volatility

UPSX vs. KORU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF (UPSX) is 43.27%, while Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares (KORU) has a volatility of 92.27%. This indicates that UPSX 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

	UPSX	KORU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	43.27%	92.27%	-49.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	102.17%	138.63%	-36.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	140.34%	144.16%	-3.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	141.11%	91.40%	+49.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	141.11%	83.03%	+58.08%

UPSX vs. KORU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

UPSX vs. KORU - Dividend Comparison

UPSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while KORU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KORU Direxion Daily South Korea Bull 3X Shares	0.24%	0.89%	4.10%	2.55%	0.48%	0.76%	0.01%	0.93%	1.40%	3.59%
UPSX Tradr 2X Long UPST 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 UPSX and KORU in my portfolio?

UPSX and KORU have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPSX or KORU?

KORU has higher volatility (92.27%) compared to UPSX (43.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPSX dropped -95.01% vs KORU's -95.79%.

Which ETF is better, UPSX or KORU?

On 1-year performance, KORU leads with 858.44% vs -85.85% for UPSX. On fees, KORU is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, UPSX has been the lower-risk option at 43.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPSX or KORU?

Over the 1-year period, KORU has performed better with a 858.44% return vs -85.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPSX or KORU?

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

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

KORU has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.00% for UPSX.

What is the main difference between UPSX and KORU?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KORU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.02 vs -0.61), 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.