This year, the performance of large-cap stocks in the domestic stock market has diverged significantly, leading to changes in market capitalization rankings.
While nuclear power stocks and shipbuilding stocks have shown strong upward trends and entered the top ranks, the automotive sector has seen a significant drop in rankings.
According to the Korea Exchange on the 1st, as of May 30, 18 of the top 20 stocks in the securities market saw their rankings change compared to the end of last year. Only Samsung Electronics and SK hynix retained their positions at 1st and 2nd, respectively.
The stock that exhibited the most pronounced rise was Doosan Enerbility, jumping from 37th to 13th, an increase of 24 ranks. Its market capitalization also increased by over 14 trillion won, which is attributed significantly to expectations surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump's nuclear power policies. This stock's price increase rate this year reached as much as 130%.
Hanwha Aerospace also rose 21 ranks from 27th to 6th, bolstered by the atmosphere of military expansion and performance expectations.
The shipbuilding sector also saw a significant rise in rankings due to expectations of cooperation with the U.S. and changes in the global supply chain. Hanwha Ocean rose from 33rd to 15th, while HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering climbed from 24th to 17th.
Financial stocks have also entered the upper ranks due to expectations for market stimulus from the next government after the presidential election. Hana Financial Group moved up from 23rd to 19th, while KB Financial climbed from 8th to 5th. Other large stocks like Samsung Biologics and Samsung C&T also saw a slight rise in their rankings.
In contrast, the automotive and secondary battery sectors experienced declines due to concerns over tariffs from the U.S. and a slowdown in electric vehicle demand. POSCO Holdings recorded the largest drop, falling 7 ranks in market capitalization, while LG Energy Solution slipped from 3rd to 4th. Hyundai Mobis fell from 12th to 16th, Kia from 7th to 10th, and Hyundai Motor from 5th to 7th.
Experts note that while the performance improvements in nuclear power, shipbuilding, and defense sectors are expected to continue for the time being, there is a possibility of a slowdown in stock price increases in the short term. It is particularly important to pay attention to the increased volatility of financial stocks, which reflect policy expectations following the presidential election.
Lee Jin-woo, a researcher at MERITZ Securities, said, "In the case of the nuclear power, shipbuilding, and defense industries, the continuation of orders and performance improvements means that the market dominance of these sectors is unlikely to change significantly," adding, "However, there is potential for speed adjustment as valuations of corporations have been expanding in a short period."