KORU vs QQQ
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. KORU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KORU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +69.21% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +331.55% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +62.67% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.06% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 88.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KORU vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF (KORU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KORU returned +331.55% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, KORU is up 69.21% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, KORU compounded at +62.67% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.06% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs -0.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KORU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 88.3% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -96.0% for KORU and -83.0% for QQQ. 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.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KORU charges 1.32% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $18 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KORU currently yields 0.01% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KORU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 107 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KORU or QQQ?
KORU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KORU or QQQ?
Over the past year KORU returned +331.55% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so KORU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KORU annualized -0.96% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KORU or QQQ?
KORU has been the more volatile fund at 88.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: KORU -96.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KORU and QQQ?
KORU and QQQ 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 KORU and QQQ?
KORU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KORU or QQQ?
KORU yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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