Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. ranks second in the Korean exchange traded fund (ETF) market in terms of net assets, which currently stand at roughly 2 trillion won, accounting for 15 percent of the market. 

The company boasts of diverse “TIGER ETF” product portfolios. In Korea, 15 asset management companies have listed 130 ETFs, of which 43 are managed by Mirae Asset. The figure breaks down to the TIGER 200 and three market index ETFs; TIGER Semiconductor and 16 other market index ETFs; nine thematic ETFs; five overseas equity ETFs; four commodity ETFs; and three fixed-income ETFs.

Mirae Asset’s ETF portfolios range from Kospi and Kosdaq indices ETFs to derivatives ETFs, bond ETFs, commodity ETFs; and diverse sector ETFs. In particular, the capitalization of the “TIGER” sector series would cover the KOSPI 200 market. 

Mirae Asset’s TIGER ETFs have been designated as the ETF Manager of the Year among the “Best of the Best Country Awards” announced by Asia Asset Management, the Hong Kong-based financial investment journal. 

Yoon Joo-young, a director in charge of the ETF Division at Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., has his hands full not only managing ETFs, but also meeting with investors from diverse walks of life along with marketing experts. 

Yoon said in an interview with a vernacular daily, “We’ve already established a fundamental infrastructure with an array of diverse product portfolios, and we plan to expand its market presence by making the most of the industry’s lowest cost.”

Mirae Asset’s representative ETF is the TIGER China Consumer ETF, designed to invest in Chinese consumer product makers, which are expected to benefit from China’s domestic demand growth. The ETF is designed to reflect the Chinese government’s efforts to boost the national economy and the expectations of Korean firms’shared growth. The fund is comprised of 22 stocks, including AmorePacific, NCSOFT, and LG Fashion. It is based on the FnGuide, China’s consumer index. Investment portfolios are to be changed on four occasions on a regular yearly basis and frequently in accordance with such factors as corporate financial and management soundness. The ETF has invested into 22 stocks, including CJ O Shopping, NCSOFT, and LG Household & Health Care Co. since early 2012, with its profit rate standing at as much as 25 percent as of Oct. 19.

The TIGER Consumer Discretionary ETF is also on a roll. The ETF, which closed at a low of 7,350 won on Feb. 26, 2012, is on the rise. Entering October, its price surpassed 10,000 won. Its profit rate stood at as much as 31 percent in September. The ETF has investment portfolios of a selection of consumer products such as beverages, foods, and cosmetics items, including LG Household & Care, AmorePacific, Orion, and CJ Cheiljedang. The fund is rosy with the sharp appreciation of the Korean won.

Mirae Asset aims at becoming a global ETF management leader by introducing its own creative products on the Korean ETF market based on the expertise of Horizon ETF, Mirae Asset’s affiliated firm and world-class international ETF manager. The company plans to attach priority to institutional investors. 

Recognizing the need for developing ETF products for institutional investors surpassing individuals’trading, Mirae Asset plans to diversify ETF product portfolios to trust and various insurance products and develop new models having synergetic effects in cooperation with securities and insurance companies. 

Mirae Asset plans to release new ETF products for pensions, funds, and other institutional investors now that they have shown signs of keen concern over the ETF market.