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BNY's Geoff Yu reports that South Korean equities have surged in 2026 despite institutional investors, particularly from the Americas, being net sellers. Retail investors have driven this rally, contrasting with institutional outflows. The divergence highlights retail confidence in local markets amid global uncertainty. This trend could signal a shift in investor sentiment, with retail activity often acting as a leading indicator for market resilience. For traders, the imbalance between retail and institutional flows may create volatility, especially if institutional selling persists. South Korean equities remain a focal point for forex and equity traders monitoring regional capital movements.