Samsung Asset Management's two KODEX covered-call ETFs top W4tr in retail net purchases

Samsung Asset Management said Monday that cumulative retail net purchases in its two KODEX covered-call ETFs tracking the KOSPI 200 index have combined to surpass 4 trillion won ($3.02 billion) since the start of the year.

The KODEX 200 Target Weekly Covered Call ETF crossed the 3 trillion won mark in cumulative retail net purchases, while the KODEX 200 Covered Call Active ETF also topped 1 trillion won.

The KODEX 200 Target Weekly Covered Call recorded 3.01 trillion won in cumulative retail net purchases year-to-date, ranking first among all covered-call ETFs.

Over the same period, the KODEX 200 Covered Call Active drew 1.13 trillion won in retail inflows, making it the top covered-call ETF listed this year by cumulative retail net purchases.

Both ETFs track the same KOSPI 200 index, but Samsung Asset Management applies different management strategies to each.

The KODEX 200 Target Weekly Covered Call invests in the KOSPI 200 while selling weekly call options to collect option premiums. Its underlying index is designed to adjust the proportion of options sold with the goal of generating an annual option premium of 15 percent, letting the fund participate in equity market gains while using those premiums to fund distributions. Distributions are paid on the 15th of each month.

The KODEX 200 Covered Call Active applies an active strategy to both its options and equity portfolio. The fund adjusts its holdings toward market-leading sectors and companies with strong shareholder-return records, seeking to outperform its benchmark. It combines active equity management with an options-selling strategy to respond to changing market conditions. Distributions are paid on the last day of each month.

Investors who hold both ETFs can build a cash-flow structure that delivers distributions twice a month — once mid-month and once at month-end.

"KODEX covered-call ETFs are establishing themselves as the first choice for retail investors seeking covered-call products," said Choi Yong-geun, a fund manager at Samsung Asset Management. "By investing in both ETFs, investors can design a cash-flow structure that delivers distributions twice a month while also participating in domestic index gains."

Products tracking US indexes are also drawing strong interest. The net asset value of the KODEX US NASDAQ 100 ETF, based on the NASDAQ 100 — one of the leading US benchmarks — surpassed 10 trillion won this month. Theme-based products are also attracting attention: the KODEX All-Solid-State Battery ESS TOP2 Plus ETF, which invests in all-solid-state battery and ESS sectors supporting power supply for the AI industry, crossed 200 billion won in net assets roughly four months after its listing.