Korean investors pour US$92.5 million into Hong Kong-listed AI, tech stocks



South Korean investors returned to mainland equities at the start of 2026, ramping up purchases of Hong Kong-listed players in artificial intelligence and semiconductors amid enduring enthusiasm for the tech sector.

They bought US$92.5 million worth of Hong Kong-listed shares this year as of February 13, according to data from SEIBro, a portal maintained by the Korea Securities Depository. The buying was concentrated in newly listed technology companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking mainland benchmarks.

MiniMax, an AI developer that debuted in Hong Kong on January 9, topped the list with net purchases of nearly US$21 million by Korean investors. ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF attracted US$18.9 million, followed by Montage Technology, which debuted on Tuesday, with US$18.8 million.

Other heavily traded names included iShares Hang Seng Tech ETF, CSOP Samsung Electronics Daily (2x) Leveraged Product, Innoscience, Premia China Star 50 ETF, WuXi XDC, Ascletis Pharma, and Global X China Semiconductor ETF, with net buying ranging between US$2.2 million and US$8.7 million, the data showed.

The renewed buying by Korean investors adds to signs of returning foreign interest in Hong Kong’s market after years of subdued inflows amid regulatory tightening, property sector stress and geopolitical tensions.

The shift also marks a notable change in investment preferences compared with mid-2025, when Korean investors’ buying was dominated by technology bellwethers and large-cap names, including smartphone maker Xiaomi, e-commerce major Alibaba Group Holding, and chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International, according to SEIBro data.

This year’s flow suggests a tilt towards earlier-stage technology and AI-related companies, as well as index products offering broader exposure to China’s policy-backed growth sectors.

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