Tech Stocks Rise, Bio Stocks Fall... Volatile Market Cap Rankings

Future Growth Potential of Electric Vehicles and Content Highlighted
Naver and Hyundai Motor Rise to 4th-5th Place
Bio Stocks Strong Last Year Due to COVID-19
Samsung Bio and Celltrion Pushed to Lower Ranks

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji Yeon-jin] The market capitalization rankings of listed companies are fluctuating. While bio-related stocks, which showed strength due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) until the end of last year, have been pushed out of the top ranks, technology stocks with high future growth potential such as electric vehicles and content are surging.

According to the stock exchange on the 26th, as of the 25th, Naver (NAVER) and Hyundai Motor Company were ranked 4th and 5th in market capitalization, respectively. At the end of last year, they were 6th and 8th, but their market capitalization has significantly increased as their stock prices have sharply risen this year. Naver's stock price rose 19.11% this year, and Hyundai Motor Company’s increased by 23.86%.

Naver, which was ranked 3rd in market capitalization a year ago, had fallen to 6th recently, pushed down by LG Chem, Samsung Biologics, and Hyundai Motor Company. On the 20th, it even dropped to 7th, overtaken by Samsung SDI. However, Naver's market capitalization rose to 57 trillion won, reclaiming the 4th position.

Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, which were included in the top 5 in market capitalization at the end of last year, fell to 7th and 8th respectively due to the combination of strong technology stocks and declining stock prices. Samsung Biologics, which was priced at 826,000 won per share at the end of last year, closed at 790,000 won the day before. During the same period, Celltrion also dropped from 359,000 won to 321,000 won.

Last year, pharmaceutical and bio stocks showed strength due to the positive news of COVID-19 treatment development, but this year, technology stocks centered on future industry growth expectations are reclaiming market capitalization. In particular, Kia Motors surged 49.52% this year following news of joint electric vehicle development with its affiliate Hyundai Motor Company and Apple. Kakao's market capitalization ranking remained 9th, but its market capitalization increased by more than 7 trillion won in just one month.

Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and LG Chem maintained their positions as the top 3 in market capitalization as they did at the end of last year, with Samsung Electronics’ market capitalization increasing by 50.1462 trillion won in one month. Samsung C&T, which was in the top 10 at the end of last year, dropped to 13th. Although Samsung C&T’s stock price rose 5.8% this month, its ranking fell as investors flocked to large technology stocks. Lee Jin-woo, head of investment strategy at Meritz Securities, explained, "The top market capitalization stocks currently reflect the leading stocks of the era. Last year, bio stocks were spotlighted due to high sensitivity to COVID-19, but this year, growth expectations for electric vehicles and semiconductors are attracting more market attention."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.