Bloomberg: South Korean stocks top 60% volatility, swinging more than BTC

South Korean stocks have posted volatility of more than 60% this year, exceeding that of Bitcoin, Bloomberg reported. The outlet said the roller-coaster moves in South Korea’s stock market were driven by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Fueled by the AI boom, the two companies’ shares rose sharply over a short period, and their combined market capitalization now accounts for more than 50% of the Kospi, according to Bloomberg. It added that the market value of the two companies, referred to locally as "Samjeonix," still makes up a majority of the Kospi, with the share rising further when listed affiliates are included. Bloomberg also said South Korean retail investors tend to pursue high returns and take on risk. Because many move in the same direction at similar times, they are nicknamed "ants" in South Korea, the report said. When share prices fall, fear-driven selling can emerge all at once, while rallies can draw in retail buyers worried about missing the opportunity, even at elevated prices, amplifying stock-price volatility further.