ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Two South Korea-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) managed by Hanwha Asset Management started trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on Monday, giving local and regional investors access to the country’s advanced manufacturing, technology, defence and aerospace industries.
The PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) and PLUS Korea Manufacturing Core Alliance Index ETF (KMCA), both listed on NYSE Arca, are now dual-listed on ADX, the exchange said in a statement.
They are the fifth and sixth US cross-listed ETFs on ADX, bringing the exchange’s total ETF offerings to 26.
The KDEF ETF tracks the Korea Defense Industry USD Index, allocating at least 80% of its assets to South Korean companies involved in national security technology, advanced defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. Its 20 holdings include Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Nex1.
The KMCA ETF tracks the Akros Korea Manufacturing Core Alliance Index, providing exposure to 35 market leaders across six strategic supply-chain sectors, led by semiconductor and technology companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX Group, said the listings come amid growing economic ties and stronger cooperation between the UAE and South Korea.
“As a regional capital market hub and multi-asset exchange, ADX provides reliable and efficient cross-border capital access,” Alnuaimi said.
“We are glad to bridge local and global investors to South Korea’s thriving industries, and to unlock Abu Dhabi’s opportunities for Hanwha’s international community. We thank Hanwha for choosing ADX as their listing partner and look forward to strengthening our investment connectivity.”
Young Jin Choi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Hanwha Asset Management, said the funds connect investors with Korea’s technological and manufacturing capabilities.
“Financial markets are global, but investment opportunities are rooted in local strengths. Connecting the two is one of the asset manager’s most important roles,” Choi said.
“KDEF and KMCA reflect Korea’s distinctive advantage: world-class technology combined with the capacity to manufacture at scale. Through ADX, Gulf investors can now access these strategic industries during local trading hours.”
Choi said the listings build on Hanwha Financial Group’s longstanding partnership with the UAE and its presence in Abu Dhabi, expanding its industrial partnership into a financial one.
ETF trading value on ADX exceeded Dh291 million between January and October 2026, the ADX statement said. The exchange said it would continue introducing investment vehicles that connect investors with international industries and economies.