lojoolodo

Webtoons become a fast-growing global content industry. In Japan and North America, webtoons are already replacing traditional comics and graphic novels in mobile-first markets. But what’s driving this explosive growth? The answer lies in how Gen Z, the first digitally native generation, consumes and values content. In this post, we explore why Gen Z’s evolving habits are turning webtoon platforms like WBTN (Webtoon Entertainment Inc.) into global powerhouses —and what makes this digital economy worth watching. ➡️ Previous Post in this Series WBTN, Global No.1 Contents Platform   🌟 Gen Z’s Content Priorities: Personalization. Speed. Bingeability. Fandom. Gen Z doesn’t just watch or read—they immerse themselves. Born between 1995 and 2010, these users grew up in an algorithmic world. They gravitate toward content that is: Hyper-personalized to their niche interests Instantly available —they’d rather pay than wait Bingeable in long, continuous formats Community-driven , ...

 Webtoons are no longer a niche Korean genre—they’re now a global storytelling format captivating readers across the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia. At the forefront of this movement is Webtoon Entertainment Inc. (WBTN) , a NAVER subsidiary and the world’s largest platform for digital comics. Here’s a concise breakdown of WBTN’s business model, financials, and why top analysts see strong upside potential despite recent losses. 📊 Business Model Breakdown Segment Q1 2025 Revenue Share Highlights Platform Revenue $260M 79.9% User purchases via “Cookies” (KR), “Coins” (JP), “Fast Pass” (EN) Advertising $40M 12.2% Banner, native ads, brand sponsorships IP Business $25M 7.9% Adaptations to film, games, merchandise  (OSMU strategy) WBTN’s revenue primarily comes from three sources: platform, advertising, and IP business. About 80% is generated through paid content on the platform, making it highly sensitive to changes in user spending. Meanwhile, ad and IP revenues are s...

Brazilian sovereign bonds continue to offer double-digit yields in 2025 , making them a standout in a world of softening interest rates. But for many years, one major hurdle has made global investors cautious: currency volatility, particularly tied to the Brazilian real (BRL). That’s where USD-denominated Brazilian bonds come in— a compelling alternative for those seeking yield without the FX headache . ➡️ Previous post in this series 14% Yield? Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Brazilian Bonds? 💬 What Are USD-Denominated Brazilian Bonds? These are debt securities issued by the Brazilian government in U.S. dollars , rather than the local currency. Interest and principal are paid in USD Investors avoid the impact of BRL depreciation These bonds are usually offered through global bond markets to attract foreign capital 🔑 Why They Matter for Global Investors 1. Currency Hedge Investors burned by BRL volatility—particularly during the 2010s—can appreciate the protection th...

The digital healthcare industry is growing rapidly, but it comes with significant risks. Recently, U.S.-based telehealth company Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) experienced a sharp stock drop, raising red flags for investors. This post explores HIMS’s business model, recent developments, and future outlook. What is Hims & Hers Health (HIMS)   Hims & Hers Health Inc. is a U.S. digital healthcare company offering a wide range of online health solutions( Hair loss treatment, Skin care, Sexual health, Mental health, Wellness (e.g., sleep aids, vitamins, weight management) ) . Through its platform, users complete a brief questionnaire via website or mobile app, which is reviewed by licensed professionals. If approved, prescriptions are delivered to the customer’s home. Some products are also available over-the-counter.  Why Is HIMS Popular?   HIMS operates on a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model , with most products offered via monthly subscriptions . This approach...

 With many countries entering a low interest rate environment in 2025, Brazil's government bonds continue to stand out—offering double-digit yields that reach up to 14%. Combined with favorable tax structures and potential for currency gains, Brazilian sovereign debt is drawing interest not only from high-net-worth individuals but also from global retail investors. That said, investing in emerging market bonds like Brazil's comes with real risks. From currency volatility to political uncertainty, it's crucial to examine both the upside and downside before making a move. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits, risks, and strategies for investing in Brazilian bonds. ✅ Why Brazilian Bonds Appeal to Global Investors 1. Exceptionally High Yields As of June 20, 2025: Brazil 3-year bond yield: 13.44% Brazil 10-year bond yield: 13.85% By comparison: U.S. 10-year Treasury yield: 4.40% Germany 10-year Bund: 2.26% Brazil’s government bonds offer yields 3–5x higher than d...

China’s equity market remains under pressure due to structural challenges and policy uncertainty, yet many analysts continue to see signs of undervaluation. For investors with a contrarian mindset or those seeking exposure to emerging markets, Chinese ETFs offer a variety of risk-reward tradeoffs. In this blog post, we compare six major ETFs that provide exposure to the China and Hong Kong markets — each with different strategies, holdings, and sector focuses. Whether you’re aiming for concentrated growth or broad market exposure, this overview will help guide your decision-making. 📊 ETF Comparison Table ETF Strategy Focus Sector Emphasis Expense Ratio Top Holdings DRAG Highly concentrated Mega-cap tech 0.59% Xiaomi, Tencent, BYD, Alibaba, PDD KWEB Internet platform growth E-commerce, Digital services 0.70% Tencent, Alibaba, JD.com, PDD, Meituan FXI State-owned enterprise stability  Financials, Energy 0.74% Tencent, CCB, Alibaba, Meituan, Xiaomi CQQQ Innovation-centric tec...

With valuations for Chinese tech stocks still appearing attractive, I explored three ETFs that take different strategic approaches to China's growth potential. Previously, I introduced the U.S.-listed DRAG ETF, and recently, Mirae Asset’s TIGER China Tech Top10 and Samsung Asset Management’s KODEX China Tech Top10 were listed on the Korean exchange. All three focus on concentrated portfolios of selected large-cap Chinese tech stocks—but their investment strategies differ significantly , and that’s what I want to highlight. The previous post is linked below ⬇️ China Stock Market Valuation   DRAG ETF : China Tech Leader ETF 1️⃣ Roundhill China Dragons ETF (DRAG) U.S.-listed | Focused investment in select Chinese tech giants AUM : $30.06M (₩41.3B approx., as of June 19, 2025) NAV : $25.01 Volume : 2,293 shares (as of June 12, 2025) Expense Ratio : 0.59% No. of Holdings : 6 Strategy : Active Top Holdings : Tencent, Alibaba, Xiaomi, BYD, Pinduoduo, Meituan 🔎 Key Features ...

In a previous post, I shared my thoughts after reading  “Minimum Economic Topics”  by Hong Chun-Wook. While the book paints a cautious picture of China’s economic slowdown and structural challenges, I came away believing that Chinese equities remain undervalued compared to markets like the US and India. In particular, China's major technology companies still offer compelling valuations and play a significant role in the global economy. The previous post is linked below ⬇️ Book Review : Hong Chun-Wook   China Stock Market Valuation That said, I’ve set some criteria for investing in Chinese stocks: Companies benefiting from government policy support Participation in AI and next-generation technologies Global competitiveness in their respective industries While searching for an ETF that matches these standards, I discovered the DRAG ETF, listed on the U.S. stock market. This fund provides a concentrated portfolio of a few of China’s leading tech firms , aligning pe...

 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 20% 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/...

  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...

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...

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...

  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...

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...

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....

 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...

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...

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...