[Focus Stock] Bank Shares Hit Record Highs on Shareholder Return Hopes

Bank stocks showed strong gains and collectively hit new 52-week highs ahead of earnings announcements by major financial holding companies.

As of 9:45 a.m. on the 4th, KB Financial Group was trading at 141,100 won, up 2,300 won (1.66%) from the previous day. During the session, it climbed to 145,000 won, setting a new 52-week high. Shinhan Financial Group was up 3.41% at 91,000 won, having risen to an intraday high of 92,500 won, which renewed its 52-week high. Woori Financial Group and Hana Financial Group were also gaining 2.72% and 2.36%, respectively. Woori Financial Group rose to 32,600 won, marking a new 52-week high, while Hana Financial Group reached 114,400 won, again setting a 52-week high. In addition, JB Financial Group, iM Financial Group, and Industrial Bank of Korea were all strong, each recording new 52-week highs during intraday trading.

The moves are seen as being driven by expectations of expanded shareholder returns ahead of this week’s earnings announcements by major financial holding companies. KB Financial Group and Shinhan Financial Group are scheduled to announce their full-year results for last year on the 5th, and Woori Financial Group plans to release its full-year results on the 6th.

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