Korea’s ETF Market Heats Up Amid Bull Run and Intense Asset Manager Competition
Driven by a surging KOSPI, stock investment is booming in Korea, with retirement pension funds flowing into securities and both middle-aged investors and minors increasingly participating in equities and ETF products. This popularity is broadening the ETF market, yet there are rising concerns over excessive optimism and FOMO as signs of market overheating emerge.
Amidst this backdrop, KB Asset Management has reclaimed the number three spot in total ETF assets under management, thanks to strong domestic market performance. The firm’s diversified ETFs, including those focused on semiconductors and electrical equipment, have contributed to its asset growth, surpassing 32 trillion KRW. Meanwhile, Korea Investment Management’s dominance with US big tech-focused products has been challenged by the domestic market rally, signaling heightened competition for ETF market share.
In April, KB Asset Management demonstrated remarkable growth, posting the largest asset increases and trading volumes among competitors and further solidifying its market position. The active equity ETF market also continues to attract over 1 trillion KRW in net monthly inflows, with strong 6-month returns of 35.5%—over 4.7 percentage points above the broader market. Regulatory easing is expected to further intensify competition among asset managers in this space.
Of note, KB’s 'RISE Korea Value-Up' ETF has surpassed 1 trillion KRW in assets, achieving impressive performance. Tracking the Korea Value-Up Index, which emphasizes companies with low PBR and high ROE, the ETF demonstrates stable growth amid ongoing shareholder return programs and corporate value enhancement initiatives.
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