MKOR vs VOO
Matthews Korea Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MKOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MKOR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $137M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +63.61% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +118.71% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +38.03% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MKOR vs VOO Performance
Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MKOR returned +118.71% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, MKOR is up 63.61% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, MKOR compounded at +38.03% per year against +22.09% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, MKOR has the edge at +32.77% annualized vs +13.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MKOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.6% 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 -29.4% for MKOR 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MKOR charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MKOR currently yields 1.81% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MKOR and VOO share 0 holdings out of 556 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, MKOR or VOO?
MKOR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MKOR or VOO?
Over the past year MKOR returned +118.71% vs +20.69% for VOO, so MKOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MKOR annualized +32.77% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MKOR or VOO?
MKOR has been the more volatile fund at 36.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MKOR -29.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MKOR and VOO?
MKOR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MKOR and VOO?
MKOR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MKOR or VOO?
MKOR yields 1.81% while VOO yields 1.08%, so MKOR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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