KF vs SPY
KF vs SPY
The Korea Fund, Inc. vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
KF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $285M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +55.19% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +121.76% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.09% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 1984 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KF vs SPY Performance
The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) is a ETF from The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KF returned +121.76% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, KF is up 55.19% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, KF compounded at +40.09% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.19% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, KF has the edge at +16.27% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
KF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 552 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 SPY?
Over the past year KF returned +121.76% vs +23.66% for SPY, so KF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), KF annualized +16.27% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KF or SPY?
KF has been the more volatile fund at 43.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KF -77.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KF and SPY?
KF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KF and SPY?
KF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KF or SPY?
KF yields 1.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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