ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm covering trends in the global ETFs ecosystem through subscription research, consulting services, industry events and ETF TV, reports that 18 of the top 50 overseas securities purchased by Korean retail investors in September 2026 were U.S.-listed ETFs.
The number of ETFs among the top 50 overseas purchases increased from 17 in August 2026, but declined from 21 in July 2026 and 22 in June 2026. Korean retail investors purchased US$6.48 billion and sold US$6.32 billion of these top overseas ETFs during September.
The peak month for overseas ETF purchases by Korean retail investors remains October 2025, when purchases reached a record US$15.85 billion.
“Korean retail investors continue to demonstrate a strong preference for accessing global markets through ETFs, particularly U.S.-listed products. While purchases have moderated from the record levels seen in 2025, ETFs remain a significant component of overseas investment activity. The continued popularity of leveraged and thematic ETFs highlights investors’ willingness to seek targeted exposure to high-conviction market themes, especially within technology and semiconductors,” said Deborah Fuhr, Managing Partner, Founder and Owner of ETFGI.
Key Highlights for September 2026
- Korean retail investors purchased US$6.48 billion and sold US$6.32 billion in the top overseas ETFs.
- 18 of the top 50 overseas securities purchased were U.S.-listed ETFs.
- Six of the 18 ETFs provided leveraged or inverse exposure.
- The largest ETF purchase was US$3.68 billion of the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares ETF.
- The largest ETF sale was US$4.77 billion of the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares ETF.
Total Amount of top overseas ETFs purchased by Korean retail investors by month
Source: Korea Securities Depository
Total Amount of top overseas ETFs sold by Korean retail investors by month
Source: Korea Securities Depository
Top 10 overseas ETFs purchased in September Top 10 overseas ETFs sold in September
Top 10 overseas ETFs net purchase settlements in September
Source: Korea Securities Depository
