KF vs SOXL
The Korea Fund, Inc. vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. KF offers more diversification with 52 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KF | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $316M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +67.47% | +158.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +145.73% | +373.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.81% | +78.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +25.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.4% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.0% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 1984 | Mar 11, 2010 |
KF vs SOXL Performance
The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) is a ETF from The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year KF returned +145.73% while SOXL returned +373.68%. Year to date, KF is up 67.47% versus a gain of 158.70% for SOXL.
Over three years, KF compounded at +46.81% per year against +78.05% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +18.69% and +25.29% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.54% annualized vs +16.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.7% compared with 43.4% for KF. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -77.0% for KF and -90.5% for SOXL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
KF and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 84 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, KF or SOXL?
Over the past year KF returned +145.73% vs +373.68% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), KF annualized +16.54% vs +37.54% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KF or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 43.4% for KF. Worst drawdown: KF -77.0% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both KF and SOXL?
KF and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KF and SOXL?
KF and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 84 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KF or SOXL?
KF yields 2.02% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so KF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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