'PLUS Hanwha Group Stock ETF' Benefiting from Trump, Up 22% Since the Beginning of the Year

Hanwha Asset Management announced on the 24th that the PLUS Hanwha Group Stock ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) has recorded the highest year-to-date return among group stock-related public funds and ETFs.

According to Korea Fund Evaluation Fund Square, the PLUS Hanwha Group Stock ETF posted a year-to-date return of 21.54% as of the closing price on the 22nd.

This is attributed to increased expectations for policy benefits in Hanwha Group's core business sectors such as shipbuilding, defense industry, and energy following the official inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States.

The most notable constituent stock is Hanwha Ocean. Its stock price rose 41.63% through the 22nd of this year. The acquisition of a U.S. shipyard in Philly last year and winning two MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) contracts for U.S. Navy vessels have been highly valued as they increased the possibility of shipbuilding cooperation with the U.S. under President Trump's America-first protectionist trade policies.

Hanwha Aerospace also rose 19.14% year-to-date. Given that President Trump is demanding increased defense cost-sharing from allies such as Europe, Hanwha Aerospace, which exports ground weapons like the K9 self-propelled howitzer to many NATO member countries, is receiving attention.

Hanwha Solutions’ stock price also increased 22.77% this year. The recent rise is interpreted as reflecting expectations of benefits for domestic solar companies amid the U.S. moves to exclude Chinese solar products.

The PLUS Hanwha Group Stock ETF evenly includes shares of major Hanwha Group affiliates, forming a diversified portfolio that can provide stable investment performance even in highly volatile market environments. The shipbuilding industry centered on Hanwha Ocean and the defense industry centered on Hanwha Aerospace are expected to be key business sectors with long-term growth potential amid global industrial trends and geopolitical tensions.

Choi Young-jin, Head of Strategic Business Division at Hanwha Asset Management, said, "Along with expectations for policy benefits during President Trump's tenure, Hanwha Group's major businesses are attracting attention as next-generation growth industries in both the Korean and global markets, while responding to short-term market trends."

He added, "The PLUS Hanwha Group Stock ETF appropriately captures this growth potential and will be an attractive option for investors seeking both stability and profitability."