South Korea’s benchmark Kospi 200 index tracking exchange-traded funds delivered the highest returns among major wealth-building assets through late September 2026, significantly outpacing traditional bank deposits, foreign equities, and precious metals. According to a Financial News report published on September 28, 2026 citing Daishin Securities data, the KODEX 200 ETF surged 80.76% year-to-date by September 20.
KODEX 200 ETF Leads 2026 Asset Returns
The KODEX 200 ETF, which tracks the performance of 200 major domestic large-cap stocks on the Kospi 200 index, opened the year at 60,460 won on January 2, 2026, and climbed to 109,285 won by September 20. Despite a more than 20% pullback after hitting peak levels in July, the index’s year-to-date cumulative return remained the highest among all asset classes surveyed by Daishin Securities. This performance overshadowed major international indices, including the S&P 500 tracking SPY ETF, which returned 11.08% over the same timeframe.
Bank Deposits and Alternative Asset Performance
The returns from domestic equities stood in sharp contrast to conservative savings vehicles. One-year regular time deposits across South Korea’s five major commercial banks—NH Nonghyup, KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori Bank—yielded an average return of 1.99% from January 1 to September 20, 2026. This figure was calculated by applying a baseline prime interest rate average of 2.77% across the 262-day period, placing the KODEX 200 returns roughly 40.6 times higher than standard bank deposits. All asset yields were calculated before accounting for management fees and taxes.
Other commodities and alternative investments showed mixed results during the tracking period:
- West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude: Front-month oil prices jumped 67.36%, moving from $57.41 to $96.08 per barrel.
- Domestic Active Stock Funds: Across 272 domestic active equity funds with assets under management exceeding the threshold, the average return reached 58.07%.
- Gold: Domestic retail gold prices dropped 2.60%, falling from 883,000 won to 860,000 won per 3.75 grams (one don).
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin declined 10.18%, sliding from approximately $89,953 to $80,793.
- Bonds: The Korea Credit Rating Bond Comprehensive Index decreased 3.77%, falling from 279.70 to 269.15, reflecting both interest income and price fluctuations.
Foreign Exchange Trends and Market Outlook
The South Korean won strengthened against major global currencies during the first nine months of 2026. The won-to-dollar exchange rate dropped 4.59% from 1,466.70 won to 1,380.30 won per dollar, while the won-to-yen exchange rate fell 4.16% from 922.70 won to 884.33 won per 100 Japanese yen. Looking ahead, domestic brokerage analysts suggest that if pressures stemming from interest rates and international oil prices ease, the local stock market could attempt further rallies driven primarily by semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.
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