Korea Investment Management Changes Name to "ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+"

Korea Investment Management announced that, starting March 5, it will change the name of its existing "ACE AI Semiconductor Focus" Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) to "ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+ ETF."

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This name change aims to enhance the intuitiveness of the ETF’s key investment targets. Korea Investment Management explained that the change was made to more clearly communicate the characteristics of the product, which is described as a "concentrated-type ETF."

The ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+ ETF is designed to directly capture the growth of the High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) market. It allocates more than 80% of its investments to three leading domestic AI semiconductor companies that are at the forefront of the HBM sector: Hanmi Semiconductor (33.01%), Samsung Electronics (24.74%), and SK hynix (23.17%). In particular, the allocation to Hanmi Semiconductor is the highest among all ETFs listed in Korea.

HBM is a next-generation memory technology that offers significantly faster data processing speeds compared to traditional memory. The sector is expected to achieve structural growth as AI servers and high-performance computing become more widespread. SK hynix and Samsung Electronics are among the top companies globally in terms of HBM market share, while Hanmi Semiconductor is regarded as the world’s leading provider of TC bonder equipment, which is essential for HBM production. This ETF is evaluated as reflecting market growth through a concentrated investment strategy in the so-called "HBM Top 3" companies.

Recently, with expectations for AI semiconductors rising, demand for investment in these core beneficiary companies has also increased. According to KOSCOM ETF CHECK, as of the previous day's closing price, the ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+ ETF's net assets totaled 366 billion won. Since the beginning of the year, approximately 52 billion won of individual investor funds have flowed into the ETF, indicating that its "focus on AI leaders" strategy has resonated with investors.

The ETF’s performance has also been outstanding. Since the beginning of the year, it has posted a return of 49.82%, ranking first among all domestically listed materials, parts, and equipment (so-called "Sobu-jang") ETFs. The 6-month and 1-year returns were 162.14% and 208.41%, respectively-the highest in its category.

Its cost competitiveness is also a notable strength. The actual expense ratio of the ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+ ETF is 0.38%, the lowest among all domestically listed Sobu-jang ETFs. Analysts note that the ETF combines a focused investment strategy with cost efficiency.

Nam Yongsoo, Head of ETF Management at Korea Investment Management, stated, "Uncertainty around AI demand is gradually being resolved, and memory semiconductors are entering a phase of competition to secure inventory." He added, "With the proliferation of next-generation industries such as physical AI and autonomous driving, demand for AI semiconductors is expected to expand structurally." He further commented, "The ACE AI Semiconductor TOP3+ ETF is a product that allows investors to focus on key stocks during the AI supercycle phase. By investing in leading domestic semiconductor companies with global competitiveness, investors can look forward to long-term growth benefits."

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