Matthews Korea Active ETF

MKOR

Market cap $97.9M

South Korea ETFs have been on a remarkable performance hot streak over the last 12 months. According to ETF Database data, South Korea-specific ETFs have all returned more than 140% over the last twelve months.

Market predictions are not easy to make and looking at the YTD winners, there are some head-scratchers.  Let's take a closer look and make some sense out of the recent performance winners: wet and dry shipping; South Korea; and oil services ETFs.

IDGT, WCBR, UTES, BDRY, MKOR & RING led last week's ETF gains as AI rotation, Japan optimism, shipping strength and defensive demand drove standout performance.

South Korea, via the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY), has dramatically outperformed US indices over the past year, driven by semiconductor sector momentum. EWY remains attractively valued relative to US benchmarks, trading at a P/E of 19 and P/B of 2.23, despite the recent surge.

Trump's threat to raise tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% puts exporters and ETFs like EWY at risk, as investors brace for renewed trade tensions.

2025 was a significant year for international investing. Many portfolios keep international exposure in a core sleeve.

The season for ETF renewal is here as investors prepare their portfolios for the new year. The ETF ecosystem offers an ever-growing list of options to consider, but within that list can be found hidden gems that may be worth consideration.

The Matthews Korea Active ETF, which took over from the Matthews Korea Fund in 2023, has done reasonably well in the grand scheme of things. While it may not be as cheap and stable as EWY, it shines in other areas. Unlike a lot of other trade partners of the US, South Korea won't be vulnerable to the threat of reciprocal tariffs, but could face challenges if the US employs non-tariff barriers.

It's been a head-spinning week for ETF investors monitoring geopolitical risks to stocks in their portfolios.

South Korea is in turmoil and several stocks are taking a hit. The post South Korea's President Declares Martial Law, Says Nation On 'Edge Of Collapse'; Korean Stocks Fall appeared first on Investor's Business Daily.