Quick Verdict

KF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: KFMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKFVOOWinner
Expense Ratio-0.03%
AUM$285M$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.57%1.09%
Holdings52509
YTD Return+55.19%+13.80%
1Y Return+121.76%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+40.09%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.19%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)43.4%14.1%
Max Drawdown-77.0%-34.3%
Fund FamilyThe Korea Fund, Inc. (KF)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 29, 1984Sep 7, 2010

KF vs VOO Performance

The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) is a ETF from The Korea Fund, Inc. (KF) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KF returned +121.76% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, KF is up 55.19% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, KF compounded at +40.09% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +15.19% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, KF has the edge at +16.27% annualized vs +13.58%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

KF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 554 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 VOO?

Over the past year KF returned +121.76% vs +23.71% for VOO, so KF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), KF annualized +16.27% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, KF or VOO?

KF has been the more volatile fund at 43.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KF -77.0% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both KF and VOO?

KF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between KF and VOO?

KF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, KF or VOO?

KF yields 1.57% while VOO yields 1.09%, so KF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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