Korea Continues To Be The Most Attractive Market In Asia

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Four Pillars of GDP: Mainly driven by private consumption

Korea’s GDP grows at relatively pace. Private consumption and investments have been the main contributors to GDP growth, while net exports have been a big drag.

Massive earnings growth expected in Korea in 2017

Analysts’ estimates for 2017CE* EPS growth are way above the Asian average, at 51%. Looking at valuation, we can see that the “Korea discount” remains, though.

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A. Stotz Four Elements: Korea’s rank relative to Asia

Overall, Korea is the most attractive in Asia considering all our four elements: Fundamentals, Valuation, Momentum, and Risk.

Fundamentals: Poor due to relatively low profitability in terms of ROE.

Valuation: The “Korea discount” remains, cheapest in Asia.

Momentum: Massive earnings growth and good price momentum.

Risk: High volatility and high beta to Asia ex Japan.

Korean Energy saw a massive price gain in 3Q17

Top 3 largest sectors: Information Technology: 36% of the market; Consumer Discretionary: 12%; Industrials: 12%.

Best sector & stock: Energy: +21.9% & S-Oil Corp: +34.5%.

Worst sector & stock: Consumer Staples: -9.6% & It’s Hanbul Co Ltd: -35.2%.