韩国基民投资理财新趋势：偏好高杠杆ETF，对中国资产关注度提升

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing influence of retail investors, referred to as the "ant army," in South Korea's capital markets, driven by a desire for financial change amid economic challenges like high prices and declining interest rates [1]. Group 1: Retail Investor Behavior - South Korean retail investors are increasingly viewing investment as a means to change their fortunes, leading to a surge in interest in high-risk leveraged products such as ETFs and derivatives [1][5]. - The preference for high-risk assets has been longstanding, with many investors favoring leveraged ETFs and cryptocurrencies despite significant losses [5][6]. - As of October 15, 2023, the credit trading balance in the South Korean stock market reached 23.83 trillion KRW, nearing the historical high of 25.65 trillion KRW set in 2021 [6]. Group 2: ETF Market Growth - The ETF market in South Korea has seen rapid growth, with the number of listed ETFs surpassing 1,000 for the first time in July 2023, driven by retail investor enthusiasm [8]. - As of October 17, 2023, there were 1,028 listed ETFs in South Korea, with a total asset size of 260 trillion KRW and a daily trading volume of 16 billion KRW [8]. - Retail investors have net bought 21.3 trillion KRW worth of ETFs in 2023, while institutional investors have shown a net outflow [8]. Group 3: Product Innovation - To cater to the diverse investment needs of retail investors, South Korean asset management companies have launched various innovative products, including thematic ETFs, leveraged ETFs, and actively managed ETFs [9]. - Recent product launches include five actively managed ETFs and several leveraged and thematic ETFs, reflecting the growing demand for diverse investment options [9]. Group 4: Focus on Chinese Assets - Since 2025, there has been a noticeable increase in South Korean investors' interest in Chinese assets, particularly in Hong Kong tech stocks [10]. - As of October 17, 2023, China has become the second-largest overseas stock market for South Korean investors, with a cumulative transaction amount of 9.019 billion USD [11]. - The net buying of Chinese assets by South Korean investors has turned positive for the first time in three years, with a focus on technology giants and emerging industries [11][12].