KORU vs VOO
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. KORU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KORU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +66.52% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +316.88% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.51% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.50% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 88.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KORU vs VOO Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF (KORU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KORU returned +316.88% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, KORU is up 66.52% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, KORU compounded at +58.51% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.50% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -1.08%. 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 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 -96.0% for KORU 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.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KORU charges 1.32% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $3 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KORU currently yields 0.01% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KORU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 509 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 VOO?
KORU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KORU or VOO?
Over the past year KORU returned +316.88% vs +23.71% for VOO, so KORU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KORU annualized -1.08% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KORU or VOO?
KORU has been the more volatile fund at 88.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KORU -96.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KORU and VOO?
KORU 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 KORU and VOO?
KORU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KORU or VOO?
KORU yields 0.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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