KOSPI market capitalization landscape reorganized… Nuclear power·Shipbuilding 'Leap', Automobile 'Hesitate'

In the first half of 2025, the top market capitalization stocks of KOSPI are being significantly reshuffled, and a seismic shift is occurring in the flow of large-cap stocks. According to Korea Exchange, all the rankings of stocks within the top 20 market capitalization this year have changed except for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with a particular strength noted in the nuclear power, shipbuilding, and defense industries.

Doosan Enerability saw its share price soar by 130%, jumping 24 places from 37th at the end of last year to 13th, amid expectations for support policies in the nuclear industry under President Trump's administration. Hanwha Aerospace rose from 27th to 6th benefitting from global arms expansion, with Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries going up 18 and 7 places, respectively. Financial stocks also climbed in rank due to expectations of support after the presidential election, with Hana Financial and KB Financial rising in the rankings.

On the other hand, automotive stocks were unable to escape weakness. Hyundai Mobis, Kia, and Hyundai Motor all fell by 2-4 places, and LG Energy Solution faced ongoing concerns about slow electric vehicle demand, dropping from 3rd to 4th. POSCO Holdings fell a notable 7 places, recording the largest decline.

Experts analyze that while performance improvement in nuclear, shipbuilding, and defense sectors is expected to continue, there is also the possibility of adjusting speed following short-term surges. Conversely, with automotive stocks that have shown weakness seeing increased valuation attractiveness, opinions have emerged that they have entered a 'buy phase' as tariff risks ease and demand recovery is anticipated.

Ultimately, this market capitalization change is interpreted not merely as a change in rankings, but as an industrial landscape change reflecting global policy change and presidential election issues.