Korean asset management companies shifted focus to US-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in July, after domestic products dominated the first half of 2026. According to Korea Exchange data released July 8, five out of 10 ETFs listed or scheduled for listing in July invest in US markets, a sharp increase from the first half when domestic investment products outnumbered overseas products 71 to 23. The shift follows volatility in KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets after a strong first-half rally centered on semiconductor stocks, prompting asset managers to diversify their global product offerings.
Asset Managers Launch US Market ETFs in July
NH-Amundi Asset Management is preparing to launch 'HANARO US S&P500 Active' and 'HANARO US AI Optical Communication TOP10', expanding its US market strategy after listing 'HANARO US AI Memory Semiconductor TOP4+' in May. The company gained prominence through 'HANARO Fn K-Semiconductor', which recorded the highest returns among domestic ETFs in the first half.
Kiwoom Investment Asset Management listed 'KIWOOM US Space Tech TOP2 Bond Mix 50' on July 7. KB Asset Management will list 'RISE US Space & Robot TOP2 US Bond Mix 50' on July 14. Both products combine US growth stocks with bonds, targeting retirement pension account demand.
Mirae Asset Management is preparing 'TIGER US Tech NYSE100 Active', targeting investment demand for major big tech companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This marks the company's fourth active ETF launch in 2026, following 'TIGER Technology Transfer Bio Active', 'TIGER Silver Active', and 'TIGER KOSDAQ Active'.
Korean Asset Managers Expand Domestic Theme ETF Lineup
Samsung Asset Management will launch 'KODEX 200 Covered Call Active' on July 14, featuring increased weighting in market-leading stocks and monthly dividends. Samsung Active Asset Management plans to launch 'KoAct Optical Communication & Satellite Network Active', investing in domestic-listed stocks focused on optical communication infrastructure and low-orbit satellite themes.
Korea Investment Trust Management listed 'ACE K Defense TOP5' on July 7 and plans to launch 'ACE K Bio KOSDAQ Active'. The company launched three domestic products in June: 'ACE High Dividend Plus Covered Call Active', 'ACE K Semiconductor TOP2+', and 'ACE Korea AI Power TOP10'.
FAQ
How many US-focused ETFs launched in Korea in July?
Five out of 10 ETFs listed or scheduled for listing in July invest in US markets, according to Korea Exchange data released July 8.
What caused Korean asset managers to shift to US ETF products?
The shift followed volatility in KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets after a strong first-half rally centered on semiconductor stocks, according to an asset management industry official quoted in the source.
Which companies launched bond-mixed US ETFs in July?
Kiwoom Investment Asset Management listed 'KIWOOM US Space Tech TOP2 Bond Mix 50' on July 7, and KB Asset Management will list 'RISE US Space & Robot TOP2 US Bond Mix 50' on July 14.
