Robeco Asset Management: "Focus on Korean and Asia-Pacific Markets"

Robeco Asset Management, 2026 Global Stock Market Outlook Seminar
"Policy Effects Expected to Continue in Korean Stock Market"

"Korea's Value-Up policy is delivering results beyond expectations. Dividends and share buybacks are increasing, and the KOSPI has risen significantly this year."

Joshua Crab, Head of Asia Pacific Equity Management at Robeco Asset Management, predicted at the "2026 Global Stock Market Outlook Seminar" held at the Korea Institute of Financial Investment in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 10, that "capital market reforms will accelerate further as they become legislated and mandated."

He named the Korean stock market as one of the promising investment destinations for next year. Crab advised, "If you are an investor who values improvements in shareholder returns, you should invest in the Korean and Japanese stock markets."

Founded in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 1929, Robeco Asset Management now operates in 13 countries worldwide. Robeco's emerging market investment strategy marks its 30th anniversary this year. Assets under management in emerging markets have surpassed 56 billion dollars.

Crab, who oversees the Asia Pacific division, identified Asian countries, including Korea, as noteworthy investment destinations for the coming year. He noted that compared to the United States, Asian stock markets are currently undervalued and are expected to narrow the valuation gap next year.

Crab stated, "I have a positive outlook on the entire Asian market," adding, "Each country will move with different momentum." He explained, "Investment choices will vary depending on strategy," and assessed that "countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have significant growth potential."

The population of ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam reaches 700 million. Considering their strong consumer tendencies based on demographics and robust economic growth trends, he projected substantial growth potential.

Crab explained that the Indian market, after recent adjustments, has entered a range suitable for investment. He said, "The valuation premium of the Indian stock market compared to benchmarks has come down from its peak," and predicted, "Rising real rural wages and reductions in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are expected to lead to improved corporate earnings."

Regarding the Chinese market, he said, "Since it has passed its bottom, there are still opportunities," and advised a selective approach, stating, "You should look for tactical opportunities among individual stocks trading at a price-earnings ratio (PER) of 11 or below."

Crab judged that there is no reason to worry about a bubble burst in the U.S. market. He analyzed, "Although valuations are high, they are not at historical peaks, liquidity is abundant, and the trend of improving corporate earnings will continue." He added, "Easing trade disputes, improved manufacturing performance, and interest rate cuts will also have positive effects."

He predicted that a phenomenon of synchronization, or a "synchronized shift," between the U.S. and Asian markets will emerge.

Joshua Crab, Head of Asia Pacific Equity Management at Robeco Asset Management, held the "2026 Global Stock Market Outlook Seminar" on the 10th in Yeouido, Seoul, explaining promising investment regions for the coming year. Robeco Asset Management.

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