"Defense Powerhouse" Hanwha Asset Management Completes Defense Investment Series

PLUS K-Defense Leverage ETF Listed, Tracking Double the Returns
PLUS K-Defense ETF Achieves 509.7% Return Since Listing
"US-China Power Struggle Intensifies... Strengthening Defense Investment Expertise"

Hanwha Asset Management announced on October 1 that it has completed its defense industry investment series in celebration of the 77th Armed Forces Day.

On the previous day, Hanwha Asset Management listed the "PLUS K-Defense Leverage" exchange-traded fund (ETF). The PLUS K-Defense Leverage ETF is a leveraged ETF that tracks twice the performance of the "PLUS K-Defense" ETF.

With this latest listing, Hanwha Asset Management has completed its defense investment universe, enabling investments across the entire defense value chain and leveraged products, including the PLUS K-Defense ETF, PLUS K-Defense Materials & Components ETF, and Hanwha K-Defense Shipbuilding & Nuclear Power Fund.

In January 2023, Hanwha Asset Management pioneered the K-Defense investment market by launching the PLUS K-Defense ETF, the first financial product in Korea related to K-Defense. At the time, there were widespread doubts in the market about the performance of the PLUS K-Defense ETF, as expectations for the global growth of K-Defense were not high.

Hanwha Asset Management proactively identified major paradigm shifts such as the normalization of conflicts and the restructuring of global supply chains.

Choi Youngjin, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Hanwha Asset Management, stated, "The world is currently in a period of military reorganization," adding, "Self-reliant national defense is becoming increasingly important, and competition over defense spending is intensifying." He further emphasized, "This is a golden opportunity for the Korean defense industry to take the lead."

The combined operating profit of the four major K-Defense companies-Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, and Hyundai Rotem-which are key holdings of the PLUS K-Defense ETF, reached 2.2087 trillion won in the first half of this year, up 194.2% compared to the same period last year. Their order backlogs have also surpassed 100 trillion won, highlighting their growing presence in the global market.

Since its listing, the PLUS K-Defense ETF has achieved a return of 509.7%. Its year-to-date return stands at 196.7%, ranking first among all ETFs listed in Korea.

Hanwha Asset Management has continued to introduce defense-related financial products tailored to the diverse needs of investors. The PLUS K-Defense Leverage ETF is designed for those who wish to invest more aggressively in the growth potential of K-Defense.

The PLUS K-Defense Materials & Components ETF, listed in August, enables proactive investment in defense materials and components companies that are positioned to benefit from the trickle-down effects of K-Defense orders and the localization of parts, as well as opportunities for direct overseas exports.

The Hanwha K-Defense Shipbuilding & Nuclear Power Fund is the only all-in-one fund in Korea that invests in defense, shipbuilding, and nuclear power simultaneously. Through the effect of diversification, it seeks more stable returns and lower volatility compared to investing in individual sectors. It is an ideal choice for retirement pension investors seeking stable long-term returns.

CMO Choi stated, "Hanwha Asset Management will further strengthen its expertise in defense industry-related investments, which is the most important investment axis amid the US-China power struggle, living up to its reputation as a 'defense powerhouse.' We will contribute to the stable returns of investors in the long run," he added.

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