With the KOSPI index on the verge of reaching 8,000 points, investors in their 50s and 60s have outperformed those in their 20s and 30s. Analysts said middle-aged and older investors pursued a long-term strategy focused on large semiconductor stocks, while younger investors showed an aggressive risk appetite, leading to diverging results.
On May 14, Mirae Asset Securities said that among client accounts with more than 1 million won, investors in their 50s posted the highest return this year (Jan. 2–May 7) at 36.77%. Those in their 60s and older followed at 36.35% in second place. By contrast, people in their 20s and 30s recorded the lowest results at 25.08% and 24.06%, respectively. For those in their 40s, it was 32.4%.
Across all age groups, a common preference emerged for technology names such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Nvidia. However, people in their 20s and 30s invested more in U.S. tech stocks and overseas exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including Invesco QQQ Trust.
As the stock market rally continues, new accounts are also rising quickly. Newly opened accounts this year account for 10.5% compared with the end of last year. Minors under 20 recorded the highest share of new account openings at 28.8%. Those in their 20s ranked second at 15.7%, highlighting increased entry by younger investors into the stock market.
Fresh investment funds are also flowing in quickly. According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, investor deposits—cash on the sidelines for stock purchases—hit a record high of 137.1201 trillion won as of the 13th.