Individual net inflows top ₩200 billion this year…largest among defense-themed ETFs
Gained 7.76% amid geopolitical risk…outperformed the KOSPI
So far this year, Mirae Asset Management’s 'TIGER K-Defense & Space' ETF has attracted more than ₩200 billion (roughly $150 million).
On the 11th, the Korea Exchange reported that, as of the 10th, individual investors’ net purchases of 'TIGER K-Defense & Space' since the start of the year totaled ₩218.3 billion (about $163.7 million). That is the largest inflow among domestic defense-themed ETFs.
The fund has also delivered strong returns. Year-to-date, 'TIGER K-Defense & Space' is up 65.18%, outperforming the KOSPI’s 31.29%.
Notably, after the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the KOSPI fell 11.40% while 'TIGER K-Defense & Space' rose 7.76%, demonstrating relative resilience amid geopolitical strain.
Recent fighting in the Middle East has put South Korean defense systems to the test in real combat, raising expectations for expanded exports in the global defense market.
South Korea’s domestically produced missile-intercept system, Cheongung-II, deployed in the UAE, reportedly achieved a high interception rate in actual engagements. Analysts say that performance could accelerate export growth for K-defense firms and benefit the industry overall.
'TIGER K-Defense & Space' invests in leading domestic defense and aerospace companies, offering exposure to structural growth driven by shifts in the global security environment and expansion in the space sector.
The fund includes major Korean defense and aerospace names — Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1 and Korea Aerospace Industries — aiming to capture gains from rising K-defense exports and next-generation space industry growth.
\"We are seeing growing interest in the global defense industry as geopolitical tensions rise,\" said Jung Eui-hyun, head of ETF Operations at Mirae Asset Management. \"By investing in core domestic defense and aerospace companies, the fund taps into K-defense growth momentum and can serve as an alternative investment in geopolitically risky environments.\"
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