Samsung Asset Management's KODEX Solid-State Battery ESS TOP2 Plus exchange-traded fund has surpassed 200 billion won in net assets just four months after listing.
Samsung Asset Management said on the 21st that the ETF's net assets stood at 237.6 billion won ($166 million) based on the closing price on the 20th. Since its listing on June 23, retail investors have bought a cumulative net 75.4 billion won worth of the fund, including 23.3 billion won over the past month.
Returns have also been strong. The fund gained 11.99% over the past month and 34.98% over the past three months. Its return since listing stands at 6.88%, the highest among domestically listed ETFs tracking secondary batteries and battery materials over the same period. Expanding order books at Korean energy storage system companies and expectations for the commercialization of solid-state batteries supported the performance.
The product invests in both energy storage systems, which store electricity for use when needed, and solid-state batteries, a next-generation battery technology. The strategy targets demand for power infrastructure driven by the expansion of AI data centers on the ESS side, and the potential application of solid-state batteries in humanoid robots, urban air mobility and aerospace. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, reducing fire risk and increasing energy density.
About 50% of the portfolio is concentrated in LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI. LG Energy Solution is expanding its ESS production footprint in the United States to target the North American market, while Samsung SDI is preparing to mass-produce solid-state batteries and new ESS products based on lithium iron phosphate.
The remainder is spread across related materials, components and equipment makers. In the ESS segment, holdings include Sangsin EDP, Seojin System, Hanjung NCS and SFA Nexel. Solid-state battery-related holdings include ISU Specialty Chemical, Daejoo Electronic Materials, Lotte Energy Materials, POSCO Future M and L&F.
"ESS revenue is rising as AI power infrastructure expands, and solid-state batteries are the next growth area as mass-production timelines take shape," said Shin Hyun-jin, a manager at Samsung Asset Management. "This will be an effective way to invest in both the present and the future growth of the battery industry."