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6월, 2025의 게시물 표시

Is China's Undervaluation an Investment Opportunity?

 Recently, while reading Hong Chun-wook’s Economic Topics , I explored the structural weakness of China's economy. The author presented a negative outlook on Chinese investments, citing demographic shifts and the urban-rural divide.  Book Review Link However, I see it differently. The FXI, a prominent Chinese large-cap ETF, has risen by about 40% this year , and global giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and Xiaomi continue their steady growth despite U.S.-China trade tensions and economic slowdowns. These companies hold significant global influence, and avoiding Chinese stocks solely due to market concerns may not be a prudent choice. Hence, I believe that instead of outright avoiding Chinese stocks, investors should focus on valuation to identify opportunities . China vs. U.S.: Valuation Comparison A key metric for stock market valuation is the P/E ratio (price-to-earnings ratio) , which represents how much investors are willing to pay per unit of corporate earnings. A higher P/...

[Book Review] Hong Chun-wook's Minimal Economic Topics (Hong Chun-wook)

  This book provides clear and accessible explanations of economic and international political issues that many people have wondered about at least once. Why is China facing deflation? Why do Israel and Iran engage in continuous conflict? Why do Brazilian bonds maintain high interest rates? Through these questions, the book delivers key insights into international economics and investment strategies , helping readers understand the global economic landscape . A New Economic Paradigm The book explains that the 21st century operates under a different economic paradigm compared to the 20th century. Since the 2008 global financial crisis , the world has entered an era of low growth and low inflation , leading to a surge in anti-immigration and anti-globalization sentiments .  Economic stagnation made it harder for people to maintain their livelihoods, while an influx of low-wage immigrant workers increased competition for jobs and exacerbated security concerns in some regio...

Silver Over Gold? Understanding the Surge in Silver Prices and Investment Strategies

Concerns over U.S. fiscal instability and global economic uncertainty have intensified demand for safe-haven assets, leading to a surge in investment in both gold and silver. In addition, the recent Iran-Israel conflict has heightened geopolitical risks, increasing the likelihood that the upward trend in crude oil and other commodities will persist for some time. On April 12, silver futures for July delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) soared to $36.46 per troy ounce , marking a 24.6% increase since the beginning of the year. This surge is largely attributed to growing concerns about global trade disputes, the weakening of the U.S. dollar, and the declining value of U.S. Treasury securities, which have driven investors towards safe-haven assets. Historically, periods of geopolitical instability such as trade conflicts and wars have strengthened the U.S. dollar and Treasury bonds, but mounting risks associated with the U.S. government’s debt default and economic slowdo...

ARKG (ARK Genomic Revolution ETF) – The ETF Driving Future Innovation in Genomics

In the past, understanding biological information, including DNA, required extensive time and effort. However, with advancements in DNA sequencing, AI, and single-cell genomics , the ability to analyze biological processes has improved dramatically . These genomic technologies enable personalized medicine , revolutionizing drug discovery and reshaping the medical industry. ARKG ETF invests in companies leading this genomic revolution , focusing on businesses that drive the future of healthcare innovation. ARK Investment Opportunity Report ETF Overview ETF Name : ARK Genomic Revolution ETF Ticker : ARKG Market Capitalization : $976.7 million (₩1.3 trillion, as of 25/6/13) Net Asset Value (NAV) : $23.47 (as of 25/6/13) Trading Volume : 3,782,685 shares (as of 25/6/13) Annual Expense Ratio : 0.75% Investment Strategy ARKG ETF focuses on companies driving genomic technology innovation , investing in the expanding markets of genomics analysis and drug development . The ETF...

2024 South Korea Retirement Pension Investment Trends: Where Does My Pension Return Rate Rank?

  Over nearly 30 years of work, retirement funds gradually accumulate. However, simply saving them is not enough. Retirement pensions are essential for securing post-retirement finances, and effectively managing them is crucial . According to a report from the Financial Supervisory Service, South Korea’s retirement pension reserves surpassed KRW 400 trillion in 2024, with an average annual return of 4.8% . How are others managing their retirement pensions? Where does my retirement pension return rate rank among the top percentiles? Changes in South Korea’s Retirement Pension Market and Investment Strategies As of the end of 2024, South Korea’s retirement pension reserves totaled KRW 431.7 trillion , reflecting a 12.9% increase year-over-year . Particularly, investments in performance-based financial products like funds and ETFs amounted to KRW 75.2 trillion , accounting for 17.4% of total reserves , with a 53.3% increase from the previous year. Types of Retirement Pension Pl...

Microsoft (MSFT) Hits One-Year High: How Cloud Market Dynamics Are Driving the Surge

Recently, Microsoft (MSFT) reached its highest stock price in a year , maintaining a steady upward trend. While other stocks in the Magnificent Seven (M7) group have seen negative returns, Microsoft has quietly but consistently climbed higher. Since the beginning of the year, MSFT has increased 13.6%, making it the second-best performing Big Tech stock after Meta (META). Key Driver of MSFT's Stock Growth – Azure's Dominance in the Cloud Market Microsoft's stock surge is not merely due to market sentiment but rather the company's strengthened position in the cloud industry . Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, has been rapidly increasing its market share and closing the gap with AWS , its biggest competitor. In Q1 2025 , the global cloud market share stood at: Amazon AWS: 32% (still leading) Microsoft Azure: 23% (expanding rapidly) Google Cloud (GCP): 12% (growing but trailing) Azure's cloud revenue grew 33% year-over-year , regaining a 30% growth rat...

PAWZ (ProShares Pet Care ETF) — The Only U.S. ETF for Investors Who Love Pets

Around the world, pets are no longer seen as mere companions — they are embraced as full-fledged members of the family. As single-person households and aging populations increase, pet adoption is on the rise, and with it, the pet care industry is experiencing robust expansion. As of 2025, the global pet care market is estimated at $324 billion , and it's projected to reach nearly $598 billion by 2033 , growing at an average annual rate of 7.3% . So, how can investors tap into the growth of this booming industry? Today’s featured ETF is the ProShares Pet Care ETF (PAWZ) — a fund that invests across a diverse portfolio of companies in pet healthcare, retail, nutrition, insurance, and more. * ETF Overview Name: ProShares Pet Care ETF Ticker: PAWZ Assets Under Management (AUM): $62.6M (₩85.1B as of 2025/6/11) NAV (Net Asset Value): $58.46 (as of 2025/6/11) Daily Trading Volume: 2,963 shares Expense Ratio: 0.50% * Investment Strategy PAWZ is the only ETF in the U....

Comparison of Space and Aerospace ETFs: ARKX vs ITA vs UFO

 Advanced technologies such as satellite communications, drones, AI, 3D printing, and reusable rockets are driving rapid growth in the space and aerospace industries. Global giants like SpaceX are heavily investing in space exploration and defense, opening up new markets and investment opportunities . For investors looking to capitalize on the booming space industry , ARKX, ITA, and UFO are three key ETFs worth considering. This post compares their investment strategies and unique characteristics to help you decide which aligns best with your investment approach. 1️⃣ ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) Issuer : ARK Invest Investment Focus : Space exploration, drones, 6G, satellite communications, 3D printing, AI, robotics, and more Top Holdings : KTOS (Defense systems, satellite comms, UAVs) RKLB (Rocket launches, small satellite development) IRDM (Global satellite network) ACHR (eVTOL aircraft) AVAV (Drones & UAVs) Expense Ratio : 0.75% Ke...

ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) – The Most Future-Focused Space Industry ETF

Unlike traditional space ETFs, ARKX goes beyond rocket launches. It invests in companies driving space exploration and pioneering next-generation technologies , including satellite communications, drones, AI, 3D printing, and reusable rockets . * ETF Overview Name : ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF Ticker : ARKX AUM : $305.5M (₩415B, as of June 10, 2025) NAV : $22.06 Daily Volume : 133,149 shares Expense Ratio : 0.75% *  Investment Strategy Invests in companies aligned with ARK's definition of space exploration , including those providing advanced technologies and services beyond Earth’s surface The scope includes industries such as autonomous vehicles, intelligent devices, advanced batteries, 3D printing, reusable rockets, adaptive robotics, and neural networks Aims to capture both direct and adjacent beneficiaries of space innovation * Top 10 Holdings Ticker Company Name Sector Business Description Weight KTOS Kratos Defense & Secur...

ISRG (Intuitive Surgical): Global Leader in Surgical Robotics

On June 9, Deutsche Bank downgraded its investment rating on Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) to 'sell' , citing concerns over weakening dominance in the surgical robotics market. Following reports that some hospitals are replacing Da Vinci surgical system tools with cheaper third-party alternatives , ISRG's stock price dropped by approximately 6% . Today, we analyze ISRG's current situation and assess its investment potential. About Robotic Surgery Market https://lojoolodo24.blogspot.com/2025/06/robot-surgery-future-medical-technology.html   1️⃣ Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) Overview Company Name : Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Ticker : ISRG Stock Price : $526.15 (as of June 9, 2025) Market Cap : Approx. $188.8B (~256.7 trillion KRW) Intuitive Surgical develops, manufactures, and sells surgical robotic systems and accessories . With its patent-protected ecosystem, ISRG holds over 80% of the global robotic surgery market share . Its key products include: ✅ Da Vinci Surgical...

Robot Surgery: A Future Medical Technology That Even Elon Musk Has His Eyes On

As the era of aging advances, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is driving innovation in medical technology. In particular, the medical surgical robot market is rapidly growing, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicting on social media, "In five years, robots will surpass the best human surgeons." So, what is robot surgery, and how is the global medical surgical robot market evolving? What Is Robot Surgery? Surgical procedures can be categorized into open surgery, which requires large incisions, and minimally invasive surgery, which uses cameras and specialized instruments to reduce incision size.  Robot-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons precisely control robotic arms via a console. Compared to open surgery, robotic surgery requires smaller incisions, reduces blood loss and infection risks, and accelerates recovery time.  Its 3D visualization and precise movements also make it particularly effective for han...

South Korea Real Estate : Redevelopment Would Make You Rich? The Government Takes a Cut.

 In South Korea’s real estate market, one policy has been causing a stir lately— the Reconstruction Excess Profit Reclamation System , commonly known as "Jaechohwan." Many homeowners and investors view this policy as an obstacle because it significantly impacts redevelopment projects, especially in urban areas. But despite its importance, there’s still a lot of confusion about how it works, how much people actually have to pay, and what’s happening right now in the market. This guide will break it all down—what Jaechohwan is, how it’s calculated, real-life examples, its effects on the housing market, and what to watch for in future policy decisions. What Is the Reconstruction Excess Profit Reclamation System? Simply put, this system taxes a portion of the profit when a homeowner’s redevelopment gains exceed a certain threshold. How It’s Calculated: The profit is determined by the difference in housing prices between the time the reconstruction association is establish...

Improving Social Security Policies to Enhance Work Incentives for the Working Poor – South Korea Institute of Public Finance

Korea has various social security programs, such as unemployment benefits, basic living allowances, and the National Employment Support System, aimed at assisting low-income groups. These government welfare policies help individuals who are unemployed, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or have low incomes, guiding them back into the labor market. However, how effective are these policies in practice? To explore this, the Korea Institute of Public Finance has published a report titled "Improving Social Security Policies to Enhance Work Incentives for the Working Poor." This report aims to develop improvements in social security policies to ensure the working poor can sustain economic activities . It evaluates existing social security programs and seeks ways to strengthen inter-policy alignment to enhance work incentives. A key focus is resolving conflicts between basic living allowances and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 1. Overview of Social Security Policies Kor...

Tesla Plunges 14% in a Day—Is the Cause the Feud Between Trump and Musk?

 Tesla’s stock took a staggering 14% nosedive in a single day, shaking the market and wiping out $152 billion in market value as its market capitalization fell below $1 trillion . The primary reason behind this sudden drop? The escalating feud between former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk , which has stirred up political and economic uncertainty and left investors on edge. Trump vs. Musk: The Intensifying Conflict Musk recently lashed out against Trump’s tax cut policy , criticizing it as “a plan for big corporations.” In response, Trump accused Musk of being “ungrateful” and even hinted that Tesla’s federal contracts could be reconsidered . Additionally, Musk publicly claimed that Trump’s name appeared in Epstein-related government documents , further inflaming tensions. These political entanglements have raised concerns over potential government subsidy reductions for Tesla , negatively impacting investor sentiment. Other Factors Behind Tesla’s Stock Decli...

ARK Invest: What Stocks Will Be Promising in the Future? 2025 Investment Opportunity Report

In the previous post, I introduced ARK Invest and explained its major ETFs. This time, I have summarized the Investment Opportunity Report published by ARK Invest. https://lojoolodo24.blogspot.com/2025/06/ark-invest-cathie-woods-portfolio-of.html   ARK Invest: What Stocks Will Be Promising in the Future? 2025 Investment Opportunity Report ARK Invest's Investment Opportunity Report analyzes how five core technologies—AI, robotics, digital assets, genomic revolution, and space exploration—are reshaping the global economy and shaping the future. While the report provides valuable insights, it also feels like a strong sales pitch for ARK Invest’s ETFs. Nonetheless, the inclusion of various data points and graphs makes it a useful tool for identifying future technology trends and investment strategies. The Flow of Innovation: AI Driving Change Across Industries According to ARK Invest’s research, the global economy is undergoing the largest technological transformation in history...

ARK Invest: Cathie Wood’s Portfolio of Future Innovators

  ARK Invest’s Recent Moves Recently, I came across an article about ARK Invest reducing its positions in Tesla and Palantir . Today, I’m summarizing ARK Invest, the asset management firm led by Cathie Wood . What is ARK Invest? ARK Invest is a global asset management firm focused on disruptive innovation . Founded in 2014 by Cathie Wood , the firm is known for its actively managed ETFs that invest in breakthrough technologies and industries. According to etf.com, ARK Invest’s total assets under management (AUM) are $10.7 billion , equivalent to approximately ₩14.5 trillion in Korean won. ARK Invest’s Flagship Products ARK Invest manages a range of ETFs. While the firm also operates venture funds, ETFs remain its primary investment products. The ETFs are categorized into Active ETFs, Sub-Advised ETFs, and Index ETFs. 1. Active ETFs (Actively Managed) ARK Invest’s flagship ETFs rely on active investment strategies , where fund managers select high-potential innovative comp...

GOOGL (Alphabet, Google): Weak Stock Performance, but How Did Q1 2025 Earnings Turn Out?

https://lojoolodo24.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-is-alphabet-googl-google-lagging.html In a previous post, we explored the reasons behind Alphabet’s (GOOGL, Google) sluggish stock performance. So, how did Google's latest earnings fare? Is this an undervalued stock with strong fundamentals, or is it struggling to adapt to industry changes? Google’s Business Segments Google's business is mainly divided into Google Services (advertising, subscriptions & platforms, devices) and Google Cloud . While search and YouTube remain the core of its advertising business, subscription and platform revenue are growing. Cloud services, fueled by AI, are expanding rapidly but face fierce competition. 1. Google Services: Advertising, Subscriptions & Platforms, Devices Google Advertising Google Search & Others: Revenue from Google Search, Gmail, Maps, Google Play, and affiliated search partners YouTube Ads: Ad revenue generated from the YouTube platform Google Network Ads: Reve...