KOSDAQ ETF Comparison | Best KOSDAQ 150 ETFs 2026
Compare the best KOSDAQ 150 ETFs including KODEX, TIGER, and ACE. We analyze expense ratios, trading volume, net assets, and returns to help you choose the optimal KOSDAQ ETF for your investment goals.
The KOSDAQ market is Korea's growth-oriented exchange, home to innovative companies in biotech, secondary batteries, and IT. The KOSDAQ 150 index tracks the top 150 stocks by market capitalization on the KOSDAQ. KOSDAQ ETFs are the most efficient way to gain diversified exposure to this dynamic market without picking individual stocks. In this guide, we compare KOSDAQ 150 ETFs from major asset managers — KODEX, TIGER, and ACE — across key metrics including expense ratios, net assets, trading volume, and returns.
Top 5 KOSDAQ ETFs Compared Rankings
With approximately 4.8 trillion KRW in net assets, KODEX KOSDAQ 150 is the undisputed leader among KOSDAQ ETFs. Its highest daily trading volume ensures tight bid-ask spreads and easy execution, making it the benchmark KOSDAQ 150 product.
TIGER KOSDAQ 150 recently surpassed 1 trillion KRW in net assets and is growing rapidly. With a total expense ratio of 0.19% — lower than KODEX — it offers a good balance of cost efficiency and adequate liquidity.
With a rock-bottom total expense ratio of just 0.02%, ACE KOSDAQ 150 offers the greatest cost savings among KOSDAQ 150 ETFs. Ideal for long-term dollar-cost averaging, though its smaller asset base may present liquidity concerns for large trades.
A leveraged ETF that targets 2x the daily return of the KOSDAQ 150 index. It can deliver amplified gains in a rising market, but losses are also doubled. Designed strictly for short-term trading — not recommended for long-term holding.
An inverse ETF that profits when the KOSDAQ 150 index declines. Useful as a hedging tool during market downturns. Due to daily rebalancing, long-term holding can lead to tracking deviation — use only for short-term hedging purposes.
Table of Contents
1. What Is the KOSDAQ 150 Index?
The KOSDAQ 150 index is the benchmark index for the KOSDAQ market, calculated by the Korea Exchange (KRX). It selects the top 150 stocks based on market capitalization, liquidity, and trading value. The index includes key companies across biotech, secondary batteries, and IT sectors — representing the pulse of Korea's growth industries. While the KOSPI 200 is dominated by large-cap blue chips, the KOSDAQ 150 focuses on mid- and small-cap growth companies.
2. Key Factors When Choosing a KOSDAQ ETF
Multiple asset managers offer KOSDAQ 150 ETFs that track the same index, so returns are nearly identical. The differentiating factors are: (1) Total expense ratio — this matters most for long-term investors due to the compounding effect. ACE KOSDAQ 150 charges just 0.02%, followed by TIGER at 0.19% and KODEX at 0.25%. (2) Trading volume — higher volume means tighter bid-ask spreads and easier execution. KODEX leads by a wide margin. (3) Net assets — larger funds tend to have lower tracking error and a reduced risk of ETF delisting.
3. Top 3 Domestic KOSDAQ ETF Recommendations
The three key criteria for selecting a domestic KOSDAQ ETF are expense ratio, trading volume, and net assets. First, for long-term dollar-cost averaging investors, ACE KOSDAQ 150 (0.02% expense ratio) is recommended. Its ultra-low fee delivers the greatest cost savings over a 10+ year investment horizon. Second, for active traders or those making large transactions, KODEX KOSDAQ 150 is the top pick. With approximately 4.8 trillion KRW in net assets and the highest average daily trading volume, it offers the tightest bid-ask spreads and easiest execution. Third, TIGER KOSDAQ 150 suits investors who want a balance of cost efficiency and liquidity. At 0.19%, its expense ratio is lower than KODEX while maintaining adequate trading volume. All three ETFs track the same KOSDAQ 150 index, so return differences are minimal — choose based on your individual investment goals and trading style.
4. Leveraged & Inverse KOSDAQ ETFs
KOSDAQ 150 leveraged ETFs aim to deliver 2x the daily return of the KOSDAQ 150 index. They can amplify gains in a rising market, but losses are also doubled in a downturn. Because they reset daily, long-term holding can cause significant deviation from the expected 2x cumulative return due to volatility drag. Inverse ETFs profit when the index falls and are used as a hedge against market declines. Both leveraged and inverse ETFs are suited for short-term trading only — standard KOSDAQ 150 ETFs are recommended for long-term investing.
Key Investment Tips
- 1.For long-term dollar-cost averaging, ACE KOSDAQ 150 (0.02% expense ratio) offers the best value.
- 2.For active trading, choose KODEX KOSDAQ 150 for its superior liquidity and tight spreads.
- 3.KOSDAQ leveraged ETFs are designed for short-term trading only — holding them long-term can lead to significant losses.
- 4.Given KOSDAQ's higher volatility, limit your allocation to 20–30% of your total portfolio for a balanced risk profile.
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