KORU vs VYM
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. KORU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KORU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +66.52% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +316.88% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.51% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.50% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 88.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KORU vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X ETF (KORU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KORU returned +316.88% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, KORU is up 66.52% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, KORU compounded at +58.51% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.50% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KORU charges 1.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $4 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KORU currently yields 0.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KORU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 562 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 VYM?
KORU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KORU or VYM?
Over the past year KORU returned +316.88% vs +26.12% for VYM, so KORU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), KORU annualized -1.08% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KORU or VYM?
KORU has been the more volatile fund at 88.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KORU -96.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KORU and VYM?
KORU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KORU and VYM?
KORU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KORU or VYM?
KORU yields 0.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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