"Too Expensive to Buy Hynix": Investors Pour Money into Semiconductor ETFs

The net assets of Shinhan Asset Management's 'SOL AI Semiconductor TOP2 Plus ETF' have surpassed 1 trillion won. The fund reached the milestone about 50 days after its listing on March 17, reflecting strong demand for investment in Korea's leading semiconductor stocks.
According to the Korea Exchange (KRX) on the 5th, the ETF, which debuted with assets worth 11 billion won, topped 500 billion won in net assets within a month of listing. Fund inflows then accelerated, pushing net assets above 700 billion won just four days after crossing the 500 billion won mark, and reaching 1 trillion won about 10 days later.
Retail investor inflows were also notable. Since its listing, cumulative net buying by individual investors has reached 541.4 billion won, the largest among domestic semiconductor ETFs over the same period. The fund also drew in institutional and pension money, helping it grow into a large ETF in a short time.
The product allocates about 25% each to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, while also including SK Square, the holding company of SK hynix, to increase exposure to AI memory beneficiaries. It is designed to invest across the semiconductor value chain, with holdings in board and component makers such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics and ISU Petasys.
In its latest regular rebalancing, the ETF added LG Innotek and ISC. As of the previous day, its main holdings were SK hynix (23.94%), Samsung Electronics (20.15%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (18.75%), and SK Square (16.83%).
Kim Jeong-hyeon, head of the ETF business group at Shinhan Asset Management, said, "We will continue to identify opportunities arising from market changes and industry trends in advance and provide timely products."
koreanbae@fnnews.com Bae Hangeul Reporter