Stock market's Korea Composite Index (Kospi) records an increase, fueled by tech and auto sectors' gains.
The Korean stock market, symbolized by the Kospi index, kicked off June 17 at 2,959.93, marking a 0.45% rise from the previous business day. Here's a quick lowdown on what's fueling the stock market rally in South Korea.
Boost from Foreign Investors
One of the primary drivers behind this surge is the return of foreign investors. After a significant period of outflows, they've re-entered the market, drawn in by optimism about the new government's policies. Over the course of May 1 to 29, these investors purchased a net 1.77 trillion won worth of shares listed on the Kospi [1][2].
Government Policies
The policies of President Lee Jae-myung's administration are also playing a significant role. Initiatives like the "Cospy 5000" pledge, designed to boost corporate profits and market optimism, are expected to bolster shareholder returns and expand dividends, capturing the attention of foreign investors [5].
Market Undervaluation
Another factor contributing to the rally is the perceived undervaluation of the Korean stock market. With a low price-to-earnings ratio (PER) and stock price net asset ratio (PBR), the market presents an attractive investment opportunity for investors [5].
AI Focus
The South Korean government's commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) is adding to market optimism. The appointment of Ha Jung-woo as the country's first AI secretary underscores this focus on AI, a sector demonstrating strong performance in the market [2].
However, the Kospi is not without challenges. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and variations between market sentiment and macroeconomic fundamentals could impact its future performance [1].
In conclusion, the Korean stock market is riding a wave of foreign investment, government policies, and market sentiment. While obstacles lie ahead, the current rally remains strong.
- Foreign investors, who previously withdrew large amounts from the market, are now returning, driven by optimism about the new government's policies and the prospect of increased corporate profits.
- The policies of President Lee Jae-myung's administration, such as the "Cospy 5000" pledge, are expected to boost shareholder returns and expand dividends, catching the attention of foreign investors.
- The Korean stock market, with its low price-to-earnings ratio (PER) and stock price net asset ratio (PBR), is perceived as an attractive investment opportunity due to its undervaluation.