Korean Investors' U.S. Stock Net Purchases Hit $1.95B in Early July, 5-Month High

According to Korea Securities Depository, Korean domestic investors' net purchases of U.S. stocks reached $1.95 billion in early July (as of July 16), marking the highest level in five months. The surge reflects renewed interest in U.S. equities as the Korean won weakened to the 1,470 level and the KOSPI index (South Korea's benchmark equity index) showed weakness in recent weeks.

The most popular investment vehicle was the Direxion Daily Semiconductors Bull 3X ETF, which attracted $1.85 billion in net inflows through July 20, followed by SK Hynix ADRs (American Depositary Receipts) with $547 million in net purchases during its first five trading days after listing on July 10.