SOL All-Solid-State Battery & Silicon Anode ETF Posts Solid Weekly Return

As the humanoid robot market enters a phase of full-scale expansion, there is growing interest in next-generation battery technologies that serve as the energy source for these robots.

On January 21, Shinhan Asset Management announced that the 'SOL All-Solid-State Battery & Silicon Anode ETF' recorded a weekly return of 11% as of the closing price on January 20.

Kim Junghyun, Head of ETF Business at Shinhan Asset Management, explained, "Major global tech companies such as XPeng are actively considering equipping next-generation humanoid robots with all-solid-state batteries," adding, "All-solid-state batteries are emerging as a key driver for securing the mobility of robots."

He further stated, "All-solid-state batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid ones, reducing the risk of fire, while improved energy density can address the short operating times that have been a limitation of conventional lithium-ion batteries. This makes them a suitable alternative for the design of humanoid robots, which require high output and long operation times within limited space."

Since the internal space for batteries in robots is limited, the application of all-solid-state batteries is considered a key technological challenge that will determine the future commercialization of humanoids. Recent moves by major companies suggest that the all-solid-state battery market is moving beyond the technology development stage and entering a phase of commercialization readiness.

In the materials sector, ISU Specialty Chemical has secured meaningful orders in the global market. Its recent contract to supply all-solid-state battery materials worth approximately 23 billion won to a subsidiary of China's largest energy company, CNPC, is cited as an example of the gradual formation of the relevant value chain.

In the cell manufacturing sector, Samsung SDI is also raising market expectations by clarifying its mass production roadmap. Among the three major domestic battery companies, Samsung SDI is aiming for the fastest commercialization of all-solid-state batteries by 2027, focusing on process optimization and securing technology.

Kim commented, "The battery market is currently at an inflection point, shifting from general-purpose technology to next-generation high-end technology. Rather than simply diversifying investments across the entire market, a strategy of focusing on leading companies with technological capabilities could be an alternative in a highly volatile market."

He added, "As the technical achievements of related companies become more concrete in conjunction with the upcoming InterBattery 2026 event in March, investor interest is expected to rise even further."

The SOL All-Solid-State Battery & Silicon Anode ETF is a product that segments the secondary battery value chain, concentrating investments in companies related to anode materials and next-generation batteries such as all-solid-state batteries. The portfolio consists of 10 stocks, including ISU Specialty Chemical (23.9%), Samsung SDI (20.3%), Daejoo Electronic Materials (12.6%), and Lotte Energy Materials (10.6%).