KORU vs SPY
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KORU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KORU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +69.21% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +331.55% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +62.67% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.06% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 88.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KORU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF (KORU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KORU returned +331.55% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, KORU is up 69.21% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, KORU compounded at +62.67% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.06% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% 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 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 -96.0% for KORU 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KORU charges 1.32% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $9 annually, a gap of $123 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KORU currently yields 0.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KORU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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 SPY?
KORU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $123 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KORU or SPY?
Over the past year KORU returned +331.55% vs +22.52% for SPY, so KORU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KORU annualized -0.96% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KORU or SPY?
KORU has been the more volatile fund at 88.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KORU -96.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KORU and SPY?
KORU and SPY 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 SPY?
KORU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KORU or SPY?
KORU yields 0.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.