US Market Return at 11.4%, Korea at 5.8%
Quantum Computing Leads in US, Semiconductors and Shipbuilding Strong in Korea
Stock Experts Combine Short-Term Treasury ETFs with Leverage Strategies
Kakao Pay Securities has compiled and announced the returns and top purchased stocks for users who traded domestic and overseas stocks through its platform during September. Compared to August, the overall average return rose by more than 1.5 times, indicating a noticeable recovery in investor sentiment in both the U.S. and Korean markets.
U.S. Market: 'Tesla Leverage' and 'Quantum Computing' Frenzy
In September, the average return for U.S. stocks was 11.4%, up 4.9 percentage points from the previous month’s 6.5%, marking the highest level so far this year.
Users showed overwhelming interest in Tesla and quantum computing-related stocks. The top purchase was the “Tesla 2x Leverage ETF (TSLL),” which surged by 72% in one month, boosting the overall returns. Tesla itself climbed 33%, ranking second in purchases, while Nvidia (7%) and Palantir (16%) also remained among the top picks.
Notably, IonQ (44%) and Rigetti Computing (84%), leading quantum computing stocks, rose to the top of the purchase rankings, fueled by news of U.S. military supply and defense contracts. In addition, Wearable Devices saw an explosive 355% increase, driven by growing attention to its artificial intelligence (AI) biometric technology, making it a standout “surprise return” stock.
The “stock experts” who ranked in the top 10% for monthly returns for three consecutive months posted an average return of 64.1%, a significant jump from the previous month’s 47.5%. These investors secured stable operating funds by purchasing U.S. short-term Treasury ETFs the most, while also diversifying into high-risk products such as Tesla and semiconductor leverage products (SOXL).
Korean Market: Semiconductor Turnaround... Shipbuilding and Robotics Stocks Surge
The overall average return for Korean stocks was 5.8%, up from 3.3% in August.
Users investing in the domestic market focused on semiconductors, shipbuilding, and robotics in September. Samsung Electronics (20%) and SK Hynix (29%) ranked first and third in purchases, reflecting optimism for a semiconductor industry recovery. In addition, Robotis (86%), HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (48%), and Sejin Heavy Industries (42%) entered the top ranks, driving market returns with the shipbuilding and robotics theme. In contrast, Hanwha Ocean (-2%), which led the market in August, appeared to enter a correction phase.
The average return for domestic “stock experts” was 37.5%, a slight increase from the previous month’s 35.9%. These top investors continued to keep Hanwha Ocean as their most purchased stock, while also capitalizing on the improving trend in the semiconductor sector with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Kakao Pay Securities stated, “September was a month led by Tesla, AI, quantum computing, and the semiconductor turnaround,” adding, “In a rising market, users were seen diversifying their portfolios with leverage ETFs, U.S. Treasury ETFs, and AI technology stocks, seeking a balance between stability and growth.”
Detailed information on Kakao Pay Securities users’ investment trends in September can be found in the “Very Useful Investment News” section, available under the “Securities” menu in the Kakao Pay application’s bottom menu, within the “More” tab.
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