Optimism grows as AI power demand expands... KODEX Solid-State Battery ESS tops 200 billion won in net assets

[Financial News] ETFs related to solid-state batteries and energy storage systems (ESS) are rapidly growing in size amid rising demand for power infrastructure as artificial intelligence (AI) spreads and growing expectations for the commercialization of next-generation batteries.
According to the Korea Exchange on the 21st, Samsung Asset Management's 'KODEX Solid-State Battery ESS TOP2 Plus' surpassed 200 billion won in net assets on the 19th. Net assets stood at 237.6 billion won as of the previous day. The fund achieved this just over four months after its listing in June.
Individual investors have been actively investing in the fund. Their cumulative net purchases since its listing totaled 75.4 billion won, including 23.3 billion won in net purchases over the past month alone.
Returns have also been solid. The fund returned 11.99% over the past month and 34.98% over the past three months. Its return since listing is 6.88%, the highest among ETFs listed in Korea that are related to secondary batteries and materials.
'KODEX Solid-State Battery ESS TOP2 Plus' invests in both solid-state batteries and ESS, the battery industry's two growth pillars. Applications for solid-state batteries and ESS are steadily expanding beyond the industry's traditional focus on electric vehicles to include humanoid robots, urban air mobility (UAM), aerospace and more.
Solid-state batteries are next-generation batteries that use solid rather than conventional liquid electrolytes to improve safety and energy density. ESS is a system that stores generated electricity and supplies it when needed.
The ETF concentrates about 50% of its investments in LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI. Its remaining holdings include ESS-related companies such as Sangsin EDP, Seojin System and Hanjung NCS, as well as companies in the solid-state battery value chain, including ISU Specialty Chemical Co., Ltd., Daejoo Electronic Materials and POSCO Future M.
Shin Hyun-jin, a manager at Samsung Asset Management, said, “Revenue in the ESS sector is growing as AI power infrastructure expands, while solid-state batteries are expected to be the next growth area as mass-production schedules become more concrete. This ETF will be an effective way to invest in both the battery industry's current and future growth potential.”

[email protected] Seo Min-ji Reporter