#United States #New York #KDEF #Hanwha Asset Management #Exchange Traded Concepts

Exchange Traded Concepts Introduces KDEF ETF in the U.S.

On February 5, 2025, Exchange Traded Concepts (ETC) announced the official launch of the PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) on the U.S. market. This investment vehicle aims to provide American investors with unique exposure to South Korea's rapidly advancing defense sector, aligning with the strategies implemented in Hanwha Asset Management's original PLUS K-Defense Fund offered in Korea.

The newly launched KDEF ETF targets the performance of companies that are at the forefront of Korea's defense innovations, focusing on firms involved in critical sectors such as defense manufacturing, advanced technology, and services essential for national security. By carefully curating an index of these firms, KDEF facilitates seamless investment opportunities for U.S. market participants.

J. Garrett Stevens, CEO of Exchange Traded Concepts, expressed excitement about this partnership with Hanwha Asset Management, stating, “We are elated to partner with Hanwha Asset Management to bring the PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) to the U.S. market. This launch represents an exciting expansion of Hanwha's Plus K-Defense ETF in the U.S. We are committed to helping innovative investment strategies reach new investors.”

Hanwha CEO, Kim Jong-ho, shared similar enthusiasm for the offering, noting, “We are enthusiastic to introduce the PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) to the U.S. market. Expanding on the foundation of our Plus K-Defense ETF listed in Korea, this presents an opportunity for U.S. investors to engage with Korea's defense industry.”

About the ETF

The KDEF ETF is now officially listed on the NYSE Arca and has become readily available for trading. Investors considering participation in this fund should take into account various factors such as investment objectives, associated risks, charges, and expenses. For details regarding the ETF, potential investors are encouraged to contact the firm or visit their website, www.plusetf.com, for more information.

Exchange Traded Concepts

Founded as an SEC-registered independent investment adviser, Exchange Traded Concepts specializes in white-label ETFs. Their services encompass a wide range of offerings, including ETF-in-a-box solutions, fund marketing and consulting, effectively equipping partners with an efficient, cost-effective means to exploit the advantages of ETF structures.

Hanwha Asset Management

Established as a leading asset management firm in Korea, Hanwha Asset Management offers a broad spectrum of investment products across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset strategies. Their work is strongly guided by a customer-first philosophy, focusing on innovative investment solutions backed by extensive expertise and rigorous risk management.

Investment Considerations

Investors should exercise caution as investing inherently involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. The fund's international investments may expose investors to risks like unfavorable currency fluctuations, political instability, and volatility linked to smaller markets. Regardless of the opportunities presented by KDEF, investors must evaluate these factors alongside their personal financial goals.

This launch not only enhances the portfolio options available for investors in the U.S. but also exemplifies the growing synergy between American and Korean markets in the defense sector. As global security becomes ever more intertwined, such investments are likely to continue gaining traction in the future.