'WON Semiconductor Value Chain Active' Ranks No. 1 Among Active ETFs for 1-Year Returns

One-year return of 117.86%
Also ranked first in year-to-date and two-year returns

Woori Asset Management said on October 27 that its WON Semiconductor Value Chain Active exchange-traded fund (ETF) ranked first among actively managed ETFs listed in Korea in both one-year returns and returns since the start of the year.

According to fund evaluator Zeroin, as of the previous day's closing price, the WON Semiconductor Value Chain Active ETF had a one-year return of 117.86%, the highest among 257 actively managed ETFs listed in Korea. Its two-year return was 320.17%, ranking first among 190 actively managed ETFs that had been listed for at least two years. Its return since the start of the year was also the highest among 269 actively managed ETFs, at 95.45%.

Domestic stocks experienced extreme volatility this month. As foreign investors continued to sell, the KOSPI fell 21.9%, from 7,003.74 on October 2 to 5,469.47 the previous day. The previous day's closing price was its lowest level in about seven months, since April 6.

Even amid this sharp market downturn, the WON Semiconductor Value Chain Active ETF maintained its top ranking in active ETF returns at key points. Based on the October 2 close, when the KOSPI was at the 7,000 level, its one-year return was 233.89%; on October 15, when a circuit breaker was triggered, it was 145.53%. It ranked first at both points.

Active adjustments to holdings are seen as a key factor behind the high returns. When the share prices of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, the leading semiconductor stocks, were subdued, the fund proactively identified semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment companies with technological competitiveness and increased their portfolio weightings.

Lee Hoseok, head of the Equity Management Team 2 at Woori Asset Management, said, "Both when the market was rallying and when it was undergoing a correction, we comprehensively assessed companies' fundamentals through research and tracked technological trends in the semiconductor industry. Our active stock selection had a positive impact on returns."

Lee added, "Earnings estimates remain positive for companies benefiting from investment in artificial intelligence (AI), but foreign investors' interest in large-cap IT stocks has declined somewhat due to a correction driven by supply-and-demand issues in the second quarter of this year, geopolitical risks, and interest rate pressures. Unless a serious geopolitical risk emerges, the semiconductor sector will resume its upward trend this year."

Meanwhile, Woori Asset Management is holding its "Woori Together Festa" through October 31. Customers who purchase eligible ETFs and funds above a specified amount and submit proof of purchase will be entered into a drawing for prizes including a Samsung The Sero and Galaxy Buds. Details, including how to participate, are available on the Woori Asset Management website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.