Korean retail investors holding Tesla and SpaceX stocks suffered significant losses as both companies experienced sharp declines, according to Korea Securities Depository data released on the 27th. As of the 23rd, South Korean investors held approximately $18.5 billion in Tesla and $1.4 billion in SpaceX, totaling nearly $20 billion in Elon Musk-related stocks. The losses resulted from Tesla's approximately 30% decline this year and SpaceX's 50% drop from its post-listing peak, following Tesla's second-quarter earnings miss and growing uncertainty around AI and robotics initiatives.
Korean Investors Hold $20 Billion in Tesla and SpaceX Stocks
According to Korea Securities Depository's securities information portal Seibro on the 27th, Tesla is the most-held stock by South Korean retail investors. As of the 23rd, the custody amount reached approximately $18.5 billion (about 27 trillion won). SpaceX holdings totaled approximately $1.4 billion (about 2 trillion won) on the same date, bringing total exposure to Elon Musk-related stocks to nearly 30 trillion won.
These figures represent significantly reduced valuations following recent stock price declines in both companies. At the start of this year, South Korean investors held approximately $28 billion in Tesla. SpaceX holdings reached $2 billion at one point after listing on the 12th of last month.
Tesla Stock Declines 30% From Year Start to $313
Tesla stock started this year at $438 but recently fell to $313.03, a decline of approximately 30%. On the 23rd, immediately following the second-quarter earnings announcement, the stock dropped nearly 15%, resulting in a market capitalization evaporation of $215 billion during that period.
Tesla's inability to rebound stems from intensifying electric vehicle competition causing earnings to fall short of market expectations, combined with increased uncertainty regarding future businesses including artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
SpaceX Falls 50% From Peak After Listing at $135
SpaceX's situation is equally challenging. After listing at an IPO price of $135 last month, the stock briefly surged to $225 but has since crashed to $115, nearly 50% below its peak.
Starlink subscriber growth and profitability, along with AI satellite business expansion, are expected to serve as variables affecting future stock performance through actual earnings improvements.
FAQ
What losses did Korean investors experience in Tesla and SpaceX stocks?
Korean retail investors held approximately $18.5 billion in Tesla and $1.4 billion in SpaceX as of the 23rd, down from $28 billion in Tesla at year start and $2 billion in SpaceX after its listing on the 12th of last month. Tesla stock declined approximately 30% this year from $438 to $313.03, while SpaceX fell nearly 50% from its peak of $225 to $115.
Why did Tesla stock drop 15% on the 23rd?
Tesla fell nearly 15% on the 23rd immediately following its second-quarter earnings announcement, which failed to meet market expectations. The decline resulted from intensifying electric vehicle competition and increased uncertainty regarding the company's AI and robotics businesses, causing a market capitalization evaporation of $215 billion during that period.
How has SpaceX stock performed since listing?
SpaceX listed at an IPO price of $135 last month on the 12th and briefly surged to $225, but has since fallen to $115, representing a nearly 50% decline from its peak. Starlink subscriber growth, profitability improvements, and AI satellite business expansion are expected to influence future stock performance.
