The themes driving the stock market change each year. Four to five years ago, the focus was on the electric vehicle battery investment boom, followed by sectors like biotechnology, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. This year, AI and semiconductors are again at the forefront of the Korean stock market, and the trend is reflected among younger investors as well.
According to data from Hana Financial Investment and NH Investment & Securities, the top stocks purchased by investors in their 20s and 30s in the first half of this year included the leading domestic semiconductor companies, SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, which ranked first and second, respectively.
In the first quarter of this year, the most purchased stocks by the younger demographic included Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, Doosan Enerbility, and NAVER. In the second quarter, SK Square and Samsung Electro-Mechanics replaced Doosan Enerbility and NAVER in the top ranks. SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor maintained their positions among the top purchases in both quarters. These stocks ranked first to third in total trading volume in the market this year. Notably, Samsung Electro-Mechanics and SK Square saw significant increases of 435.95% and 263.77%, respectively, making them the top and eighth performers in the second quarter.
Looking at the annual performance, the investment results for the younger generation have been quite good, except for 2022. In that year, all top stocks purchased by investors in their 20s and 30s suffered losses. The leading stocks included LG Energy Solution, Samsung Electronics, Il Dong Pharmaceutical, Wemade, and SK Hynix, with Wemade plummeting by 82.27%. SK Hynix (-42.75%), Samsung Electronics (-29.37%), Il Dong Pharmaceutical (-15.03%), and LG Energy Solution (-13.86%) also experienced declines.
In 2023, the top purchased stocks were dominated by electric vehicle batteries, and the investment performance significantly improved compared to the previous year. Common stocks among the top purchases for the younger demographic included EcoPro, L&F, POSCO Holdings, POSCO Future M, and EcoPro BM. Notably, EcoPro and EcoPro BM, both beneficiaries of the electric vehicle battery sector, surged by 528.16% and 212.70%, respectively. POSCO Future M (99.44%) and L&F (10.03%) also showed double-digit increases. Other stocks, including POSCO Holdings (80.65%) and Samsung Electronics (41.95%), also rose sharply, as the electric vehicle battery value chain dominated the top purchases and boosted returns.
In 2024, biotechnology emerged as a new focus, with Alteogen and Yuhan Corporation joining the ranks of top purchased stocks. Alteogen surged by 214.21%, while Yuhan Corporation rose by 73.69%.
Last year, the investment interest broadened across leading sectors such as semiconductors, power, shipbuilding, and biotechnology. The top purchased stocks for 2025 included SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, NAVER, Doosan Enerbility, Hanwha Ocean, and Alteogen, with most stocks showing strong performance. Doosan Enerbility increased by 329.06%, SK Hynix by 274.35%, Hanwha Ocean by 204.15%, and Samsung Electronics by 125.38%.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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