Business · Markets · 17 hrs ago
South Korean investors buy record amount of US stocks, led by SOXL
South Korean investors bought a record $5.42 billion in US stocks in October, the highest monthly total so far this year.
Their buying was concentrated in SOXL, a fund that aims to deliver three times the daily return of a US semiconductor index.
SOXL drew about $3.35 billion in net purchases, far more than any other stock listed in the story.
That leverage can magnify gains when semiconductor shares rise, but it can also magnify losses when they fall.
SOXL lost more than 30% in October, amid sharp swings in US technology and semiconductor stocks.
Meanwhile, foreign investors sold about 18.6 trillion won of South Korean shares in October, bringing their net sales on the KOSPI to nearly 50.4 trillion won over three months.
The fund's losses could grow if semiconductor shares fall further, but no specific next step is stated.
South Korean investors bought a record $5.42 billion in US stocks from October 1 to 29, the largest monthly total of the year.
Buying was heavily concentrated in SOXL, a fund that seeks three times the daily return of a US semiconductor index.
SOXL’s share price fell more than 30% in October, increasing the risk of losses for investors.
Foreign investors sold 18.64 trillion won in South Korean shares listed on the KOSPI during October.
- Who
- South Korean investors buying US stocks, particularly retail investors, and foreign investors selling KOSPI shares.
- What
- South Korean investors made a record monthly net purchase of US stocks, with buying concentrated in SOXL.
- When
- October 1 to 29, 2026, for the US stock purchases. The article was published on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- US stock markets and South Korea’s KOSPI market.
- Why
- Investors were targeting a rebound in semiconductor and technology stocks. The article says foreign investors were continuing to pull money from the KOSPI but does not state why.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
SOXL reached $300.77.
SOXL was priced at $153.69.
South Korean investors net bought $5.42268 billion in US stocks.
SOXL was priced at $102.39, down more than 30% for the month.
- US stock net purchases
- $5.42268 billion from October 1 to 29
- SOXL net purchases
- About $3.35 billion in October
- SOXL price change
- Fell from $153.69 on October 1 to $102.39 on October 29
- KOSPI foreign net sales
- 18.6421 trillion won in October
- Three-month KOSPI net sales
- Nearly 50.4 trillion won through October
What people are saying
The more it falls, the more I have to make it back with the three-times one