Banking stocks have largely remained on the sidelines despite the KOSPI’s record-setting rally this year, according to Korea Exchange (KRX) data Monday. Analysts said investor attention and liquidity have flowed heavily into brokerage firms and other market beneficiaries, leaving bank shares, often regarded as defensive investments, struggling to keep pace with the broader market. Still, they believe the banking sector may be poised for a rebound, supported by expectations of interest rate hikes in the second half, more proactive shareholder return programs and relatively low valuations despite solid earnings power. According to KRX industry indices, as of Friday, the banking index gained only 14.46 percent this year, lagging far behind the KOSPI’s 101.13 percent rally over the same period. The semiconductor index surged 163.34 percent and construction stocks advanced 96.22 percent, while other financial sectors such as brokerages and insurers posted solid gains of 67.9 percent and 44.56 percent, respectively. Reflecting the sector’s weak share performance, the combined market capit
Overshadowed by KOSPI rally, bank stocks pin hopes on rate hikes
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- Overshadowed by KOSPI rally, bank stocks pin hopes on rate hikes
Banking stocks have largely remained on the sidelines despite the KOSPI’s record-setting rally this year, according to Korea Exchange (KRX) data Monday. Analysts said investor attention and liquidity have flowed heavily into brokerage firms and other market beneficiaries, leaving bank shares, often regarded as defensive investments, struggling to keep pace with the broader market. Still, they believe the banking sector… Read more: Overshadowed by KOSPI rally, bank stocks pin hopes on rate hikes - Confusion grows over CU’s purported offline expansion in ChinaConfusion emerged over CU’s purported offline store plan in the Chinese market, as a local distributor suggested that Korea’s largest convenience store chain is preparing to open an outlet there, despite the Korean headquarters saying it has no such plans. The confusion was sparked when the distributor, Ubay International Trade, launched an online store selling CU products in China, promoting… Read more: Confusion grows over CU’s purported offline expansion in China
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- Samsung Electronics’ market cap surpasses $1.32 tril.The market capitalization of top-cap Samsung Electronics surpassed 2 quadrillion won ($1.32 trillion) for the first time Monday, the bourse operator said. As of 11:44 a.m., Samsung Electronics shares were trading at 346,500 won, up 9.31 percent from the previous session on the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, according to the Korea Exchange (KRX). The company’s market capitalization stood… Read more: Samsung Electronics’ market cap surpasses $1.32 tril.
Latest Entertainment from Korea
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Learn People & History of Korea
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