KORU vs VTI
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. KORU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KORU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +57.41% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +301.46% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +57.32% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.76% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 88.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
KORU vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF (KORU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KORU returned +301.46% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, KORU is up 57.41% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, KORU compounded at +57.32% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.76% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -1.50%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KORU charges 1.32% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
KORU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2787 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 VTI?
KORU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KORU or VTI?
Over the past year KORU returned +301.46% vs +23.62% for VTI, so KORU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KORU annualized -1.50% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KORU or VTI?
KORU has been the more volatile fund at 88.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: KORU -96.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both KORU and VTI?
KORU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KORU and VTI?
KORU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KORU or VTI?
KORU yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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