投中网·2025-08-11 06:51Core Viewpoint - Korean investors are increasingly turning to the Chinese stock market, driven by a combination of high returns and a desire to diversify their investment portfolios amid domestic economic challenges [6][12][22]. Group 1: Investment Trends - As of July 25, 2023, China has surpassed Japan and the EU to become the second-largest overseas stock market for Korean investors, based on trading volume [6]. - The cumulative trading volume of the Chinese stock market, including Hong Kong and A-shares, reached $57.64 billion, second only to the U.S. market [8]. - Korean investors show a preference for Hong Kong stocks over A-shares, focusing on technology and consumer sectors [9][12]. Group 2: Notable Stocks and Investment Behavior - The top ten net purchases by Korean investors as of July 25, 2025, were all Hong Kong stocks, with Xiaomi and BYD leading with net purchases exceeding $100 million [10][11]. - Korean investors have shown consistent interest in Chinese stocks since early 2025, with significant inflows into Chinese stock funds [15][16]. - The average return of Chinese stock funds in Korea was 43.56% over six months, significantly higher than domestic and U.S. stock funds [18]. Group 3: Economic Context and Investor Sentiment - The shift towards Chinese stocks is partly due to stagnant domestic economic conditions in Korea, including a struggling job market and rising real estate prices [26][27]. - A survey indicated that 31% of respondents view stocks as the most favorable investment method, surpassing real estate for the first time since 2006 [28]. - The average return of the Korean stock market was only 5% over the past decade, compared to 10% for China and 13% for the U.S., leading to a loss of confidence in domestic equities [30]. Group 4: Broader Investment Strategies - Korean investors are diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks associated with the U.S. market, with a notable shift towards overseas investments [19][21]. - The total assets of overseas investment funds in Korea reached 134 trillion won, reflecting a growing trend towards international markets [21]. - The Korean government is also taking steps to enhance the attractiveness of the domestic stock market, aiming to reverse the "Korean discount" phenomenon [31].