Emerging Markets: How AI exports are powering Korea's next investment opportunity

Pendal

June 2026

(2 minutes read time)

IN ONE of the more unusual current developments in emerging markets, South Korea is experiencing a powerful export surge driven by global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure, yet the Korean won continues to trade close to its weakest levels in decades.

South Korea's latest trade data confirms the strength of the current semiconductor cycle.

Exports reached a record US$87.8 billion in May, rising 53 per cent year-on-year and comfortably exceeding expectations.¹ 

Semiconductor exports increased by 169 per cent.¹ 

The benefits are increasingly extending beyond semiconductors, with non-semiconductor exports gaining momentum and manufacturing activity reaching its strongest level in more than five years. This has transformed Korea's external accounts.

The current account surplus rose from 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2023 to 6.6 per cent in 2025 as semiconductor exports recovered sharply.¹ 

Semiconductor surge tipped to offset energy price drag

The Bank of Korea expects the semiconductor boom to more than offset the economic drag from higher energy prices stemming from tensions in the Middle East.

Under normal circumstances, such a combination of strong exports, rising corporate profitability and large external surpluses would be expected to support a stronger currency.

Instead, the won has continued to weaken. In our view, this reflects the dominance of capital flows over trade flows.

Korean investors have become substantial buyers of overseas assets, particularly US equities.

Domestic savings are increasingly being deployed overseas, while a growing share of the foreign currency revenues generated by Korean exporters are being retained offshore rather than repatriated and converted into won.

As a result, sizeable trade surpluses have coincided with persistent capital outflows.

Vast dollar earnings not being converted back to Korean won

The result is the emergence of "DRAM dollars", analogous to the petrodollars generated by major energy exporters.

Korea's semiconductor sector is generating vast dollar earnings, but an increasing share of those proceeds is not being converted back into won.

At the same time, strong performance in overseas equity markets and a weaker won have reinforced the attractiveness of foreign assets for domestic investors, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of capital outflows.

The won is cheap, but not outrageously so. In its 2025 External Sector Report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded that Korea's external position in 2024 was broadly consistent with medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies.

In particular, the IMF noted Korea's need to run a large current account surplus in order "to build precautionary savings to meet aging-related needs and an orderly deleveraging of private debt".² 

Since that assessment, the real effective exchange rate has fallen by a further 8 per cent, while semiconductor exports and current account dynamics have strengthened.

How we are positioning

The portfolio remains substantially exposed to the beneficiaries of the AI investment cycle, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, both directly and indirectly.

We remain heavily underweight the rest of the Korean market, where the transmission of semiconductor success into broader earnings growth is less certain.

We also remain underweight the won given the export exposure already embedded within our holdings.

Nevertheless, the combination of a large current account surplus, strong export momentum and increasingly attractive valuation suggests that the medium-term outlook for the Korean currency is becoming progressively more favourable.

Sources: ¹Bloomberg ²IMF

Funds operated by this manager:

Pendal MicroCap Opportunities Fund , Pendal Sustainable Australian Fixed Interest Fund - Class R , Pendal Focus Australian Share Fund , Pendal Horizon Sustainable Australian Share Fund , Regnan Credit Impact Trust Fund , Pendal Sustainable Australian Share Fund , Pendal Sustainable Balanced Fund - Class R , Pendal Multi-Asset Target Return Fund , Pendal Property Securities Fund

This information has been prepared by Pendal Fund Services Limited (PFSL) ABN 13 161 249 332, AFSL No 431426 and is current as at December 8, 2021. PFSL is the responsible entity and issuer of units in the Pendal Multi-Asset Target Return Fund (Fund) ARSN: 623 987 968. A product disclosure statement (PDS) is available for the Fund and can be obtained by calling 1300 346 821 or visiting www.pendalgroup.com. The Target Market Determination (TMD) for the Fund is available at www.pendalgroup.com/ddo. You should obtain and consider the PDS and the TMD before deciding whether to acquire, continue to hold or dispose of units in the Fund. An investment in the Fund or any of the funds referred to in this web page is subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment of withdrawal proceeds and loss of income and principal invested. This information is for general purposes only, should not be considered as a comprehensive statement on any matter and should not be relied upon as such. It has been prepared without taking into account any recipient's personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, recipients should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness having regard to their individual objectives, financial situation and needs. This information is not to be regarded as a securities recommendation. The information may contain material provided by third parties, is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be accurate as at its issue date. While such material is published with necessary permission, and while all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is complete and correct, to the maximum extent permitted by law neither PFSL nor any company in the Pendal group accepts any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Performance figures are calculated in accordance with the Financial Services Council (FSC) standards. Performance data (post-fee) assumes reinvestment of distributions and is calculated using exit prices, net of management costs. Performance data (pre-fee) is calculated by adding back management costs to the post-fee performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any projections are predictive only and should not be relied upon when making an investment decision or recommendation. Whilst we have used every effort to ensure that the assumptions on which the projections are based are reasonable, the projections may be based on incorrect assumptions or may not take into account known or unknown risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ materially from these projections. For more information, please call Customer Relations on 1300 346 821 8am to 6pm (Sydney time) or visit our website www.pendalgroup.com

Emerging markets income equity: the billion-dollar questions

abrdn

June 2026

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The changing world order and what it means for investors

Magellan Investment Partners

June 2026

(Listening time: 38 mins)

Geopolitical events are no longer just creating short-term market volatility, they're reshaping the global investment landscape in more lasting ways.

In this episode of In The Know, Alan Pullen is joined by Michael Allen, Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Global Strategies, to examine the structural changes unfolding across global politics. They discuss the future of NATO, the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the direction of US politics under President Trump, and why investors may need to rethink some of the assumptions that have underpinned markets for decades.

Funds operated by this manager:

Vinva Global Alpha Fund - Active ETF (ASX: V1AC) , Vinva Australian Equity Fund , Vinva Global Equity Fund , Vinva Australian Alpha Extension Fund , Vinva Global Alpha Extension Fund - Class A , Magellan Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund No.2 , Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged) , Magellan Core Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund Active ETF (ASX:OPPT)

Important Information: This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 trading as Magellan Investment Partners ('Magellan Investment Partners') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan Investment Partners financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellaninvestmentpartners.com

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan Investment Partners financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. No guarantee is made that such information is accurate, complete or timely and no warranty is given regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan Investment Partners or the third party responsible for making those statements (as relevant). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan Investment Partners will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan Investment Partners claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners, are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners, and no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from such use. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan Investment Partners. (080825-#W17)

Netflix: Navigating deals, AI and growth

Magellan Investment Partners

June 2026

(Viewing time: 14 mins)

As streaming competition intensifies and AI reshapes the media landscape, Deputy Portfolio Manager Ryan Joyce explores how Netflix is navigating a pivotal period for the industry. He highlights management's disciplined decision to walk away from the Warner Bros Discovery deal and examines AI's mixed impact--creating near-term engagement headwinds from short-form content, but ultimately acting as a tool to enhance, not disrupt, Netflix's core model. With strong global growth potential, rising ad-tier monetisation and meaningful operating leverage, Ryan highlights Netflix's ability to sustain growth and expand earnings over time.

Funds operated by this manager:

Vinva Global Alpha Fund - Active ETF (ASX: V1AC) , Vinva Australian Equity Fund , Vinva Global Equity Fund , Vinva Australian Alpha Extension Fund , Vinva Global Alpha Extension Fund - Class A , Magellan Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund No.2 , Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged) , Magellan Core Infrastructure Fund , Magellan Global Opportunities Fund Active ETF (ASX:OPPT)

Important Information: This material has been delivered to you by Magellan Asset Management Limited ABN 31 120 593 946 AFS Licence No. 304 301 trading as Magellan Investment Partners ('Magellan Investment Partners') and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation.  This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ('PDS') and Target Market Determination ('TMD') and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold, the relevant financial product. A copy of the relevant PDS and TMD relating to a Magellan Investment Partners financial product may be obtained by calling +61 2 9235 4888 or by visiting www.magellaninvestmentpartners.com

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results and no person guarantees the future performance of any financial product or service, the amount or timing of any return from it, that asset allocations will be met, that it will be able to implement its investment strategy or that its investment objectives will be achieved. This material may contain 'forward-looking statements'. Actual events or results or the actual performance of a Magellan Investment Partners financial product or service may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. No guarantee is made that such information is accurate, complete or timely and no warranty is given regarding results obtained from its use. This information is subject to change at any time and no person has any responsibility to update any of the information provided in this material.  Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Magellan Investment Partners or the third party responsible for making those statements (as relevant). Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. No representation or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained in this material. Magellan Investment Partners will not be responsible or liable for any losses arising from your use or reliance upon any part of the information contained in this material.

Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and Magellan Investment Partners claims no ownership in, nor any affiliation with, such trademarks.   Any third-party trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners, are used for information purposes and only to identify the company names or brands of their respective owners, and no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement should be inferred from such use. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Magellan Investment Partners. (080825-#W17)

Expert Analysis of the RBA's June 16 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

June 2026

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, about the Reserve Bank's decision to keep rates on hold and what it may signal for the months ahead. They discuss inflation pressures, the impact of oil prices and geopolitical tensions, and why rate cuts may remain unlikely in the near term.

National Adviser Roadshow - The Great Mispricing

Airlie Funds Management

May 2026

(Viewing time: 26 mins)

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Clint Maddock, Director and Co-Founder at Digital Asset Funds Management.

Clint discussed how the fund has remained profitable despite Bitcoin's recent decline, highlighting its market-neutral arbitrage strategy across multiple digital asset exchanges. He also shares his outlook on crypto market catalysts, including regulatory developments in the US, and the fund's growth following its distribution partnership with Montgomery Funds Management.

Funds operated by this manager:   DAFM Digital Income Fund (Bitcoin Index Class) , DAFM Digital Income Fund (Digital Income Class)

Global Perspectives: Addressing the most

essential questions around AI

Janus Henderson Investors

May 2026

(Duration: 29 minutes)

Funds operated by this manager:

Janus Henderson Australian Fixed Interest Fund , Janus Henderson Conservative Fixed Interest Fund , Janus Henderson Diversified Credit Fund , Janus Henderson Global Natural Resources Fund , Janus Henderson Tactical Income Fund , Janus Henderson Australian Fixed Interest Fund - Institutional , Janus Henderson Conservative Fixed Interest Fund - Institutional , Janus Henderson Cash Fund - Institutional , Janus Henderson Global Multi-Strategy Fund , Janus Henderson Global Sustainable Equity Fund , Janus Henderson Sustainable Credit Fund

All opinions and estimates in this information are subject to change without notice and are the views of the author at the time of publication. Janus Henderson is not under any obligation to update this information to the extent that it is or becomes out of date or incorrect. The information herein shall not in any way constitute advice or an invitation to invest. It is solely for information purposes and subject to change without notice. This information does not purport to be a comprehensive statement or description of any markets or securities referred to within. Any references to individual securities do not constitute a securities recommendation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.

Whilst Janus Henderson believe that the information is correct at the date of publication, no warranty or representation is given to this effect and no responsibility can be accepted by Janus Henderson to any end users for any action taken on the basis of this information.

Who's winning the AI race - and does it matter?

abrdn

May 2026

(Duration: 27 Mins)

Funds operated by this manager:

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Emanuel Datt, founder and Chief Investment Officer at Datt Capital. Emanuel discussed recent market volatility, the divergence between large and small caps, and the opportunities emerging in the small companies space.

He also discussed Datt Capital's approach to sector analysis, including technology, AI adoption, and energy, as well as the Fund's cash position and ability to act on market dislocations.

Disclaimer: This conversation with FundMonitors was recorded prior to the release of the federal budget.

Funds operated by this manager:

Datt Capital Absolute Return Fund , Datt Capital Small Companies Fund

Expert Analysis of the RBA's May 5 Rate Decision

FundMonitors.com

May 2026

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, spoke with Nicholas Chaplin, Director and Portfolio Manager at Seed Funds Management, and Renny Ellis, Director & Head of Portfolio Management at Arculus Funds Management.

The discussion examines the RBA's decision to raise rates to 4.35%, with a focus on inflation pressures, the impact of energy costs, recession risks, and the broader implications for households, markets, and the Australian economy.

Chris Gosselin, CEO of FundMonitors.com, speaks with Benjamin Harrison, Chief Investment Officer at Altor Capital. 

In this conversation, Ben shared how the Altor AltFi Income Fund has delivered consistent performance over seven years, combining private credit investments with unique equity kickers. He also discussed their hands-on approach, focus on mid-market corporates, and where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth-making this a valuable watch for investors interested in private credit.