KODEX Nasdaq 100 ETF Hits 10 Trillion Won in Record Time

South Korea's first exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on the U.S. Nasdaq 100 Index has reached a record 10 trillion won, or around $7.41 billion, in net assets, according to Samsung Asset Management. The fund, known as KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 ETF, surpassed this milestone on October 15, five years and six months after its launch in April 2021.

This makes it the quickest among domestic ETFs tracking the same index to achieve the 10 trillion won mark. The rapid growth has been primarily driven by individual investors, with retail investors investing a total of 3.3 trillion won this year, the highest among domestic Nasdaq-100-tracking products.

The fund's popularity can be attributed to its affordability and the opportunity for long-term investors to gain exposure to global innovators through a diversified portfolio. It is a core holding for many, particularly those utilizing regular investment plans and pension accounts. The Nasdaq-100 Index is composed of 100 leading companies at the forefront of global artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, including prominent names like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Broadcom, Amazon, and Google.

KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 ETF has delivered impressive returns, with a year-to-date return of 11.78%, a two-year return of 50.04%, and a three-year return of approximately 102.18%. The fund has consistently ranked among the top performers in its peer group while maintaining low tracking error, a key metric for ETF performance. Samsung Asset Management credits the fund's growth to investor confidence stemming from rigorous tracking-error management and strong long-term performance.

Head of the company's ETF Management Division, Im Tae-hyeok, stated that the 10 trillion won milestone signifies clients' trust in the firm's investment management capabilities, and that they will continue to manage the fund stably and efficiently.