[Column] Wealth Management Strategies for Investment in the New Year 2026

Youngshim Kim
Gold Private Banker, Club1 PB Center Branch, Hana Bank

Youngshim Kim, Gold Private Banker, Club1 PB Center Branch, Hana Bank

As the new year begins, most people set their resolutions for self-development, health, and other annual goals. Financial planning is no exception. In this article, I would like to highlight key economic issues to consider when establishing your investment strategy for the year, and suggest possible investment directions.

Last year, the Korean stock market recorded the highest growth rate among all global markets. This momentum has continued from the very first trading day of this year, with the KOSPI Index once again reaching new record highs.

However, as the index approaches the 5,000 mark, the most frequently asked question from clients recently has been about the timing of selling. "With the index this high, should I start selling now?" "Is it time to realize some gains?" The definitive answer will only become clear with time. Nevertheless, if we consider the current economic environment and ongoing structural changes, it remains more reasonable to maintain or even gradually increase equity holdings rather than sharply reducing them at this time. There are three main reasons for this approach.

First, abundant liquidity continues not only in Korea but also across global markets.

Second, the government is actively implementing economic and industrial stimulus policies, which are likely to continue over the medium to long term.

Third, Korean companies are showing improved earnings, especially as profit estimates are being revised upward for export-driven and technology-focused firms.

The most frequently mentioned keyword these days is undoubtedly "artificial intelligence (AI)." AI is rapidly spreading beyond specific industries to finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer sectors. The development of related technologies, corporate investments, and government policies are all interconnected, and this should be viewed as a long-term structural change rather than a short-term trend.

Alongside AI, power infrastructure, data centers, robotics, and the semiconductor industry also deserve attention. These sectors are not just growth themes, but are establishing themselves as core infrastructure for future society. In addition to major U.S. big tech companies, large Korean firms focused on semiconductors, as well as Chinese companies involved in robotics and automation technologies, are also worth considering.

The trend of technological advancement is not limited to AI and IT industries. The bio and healthcare sectors are also gaining long-term growth momentum, driven by factors such as an aging population, advances in medical technology, and expanded new drug development. While volatility exists, these sectors can form an important pillar of a portfolio from a long-term investment perspective.

However, it is important to keep in mind that excessive concentration in a particular sector or country can always turn into a risk. A balanced diversification strategy across domestic and overseas assets, stocks and bonds, growth and safe assets, is fundamental to asset management and becomes even more important in volatile markets.

Since the end of last year, the domestic bond market has faced challenges due to rising interest rates, and this difficult environment may persist in the short term. Nevertheless, bonds remain a core asset for enhancing portfolio stability. With current interest rates at elevated levels, a long-term, phased buying strategy is advisable, and bonds can be expected to play a defensive role in future interest rate cycles.

For investment in 2026, it appears that direction and balance are more important than trying to time the market. It is essential to develop a strategy that suits your short-term risk tolerance. As we welcome the new year, I hope this will be a year in which you review your portfolio and continue to manage your assets steadily, even amid market fluctuations.

Youngshim Kim, Gold Private Banker, Club1 PB Center Branch, Hana Bank