iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY) ETF price, news and key stats

Price

Last trade as of Sep 16, 2026. Delayed data; not a live quote.

Previous close

$176.42

Open

$179.69

Day range

$173.95 – $180.17

Volume

464K

52-week range

$78.27 – $220.89

Dividend yield

112.00%

Avg. volume

20.0M

Fund facts

Category

Focused Region

Fund family

iShares

Expense ratio

0.59%

Total assets

$27.7B

Inception

May 9, 2000

About iShares MSCI South Korea

Latest EWY news

• My Say: South Korea’s stock market volatility: A lesson in how not to intervene in markets
  Risk & Volatility · Aug 20, 2026

  South Korea's stock market has recently experienced significant volatility, exemplified by the KOSPI's dramatic 12.6% intraday drop, which erased approximately $2.18 trillion in market value before a sharp rebound of 17.9% the following day. This rollercoaster ride has been attributed to a combination of factors, including speculative trading by local investors and the broader hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. T. Rowe Price's Rahul Ghosh notes that while initial excitement stemmed from value-up programs and corporate governance reforms, the market has since been overshadowed by the frenzy over AI, leading to erratic trading patterns. In response to this volatility, South Korea's finance minister and other economic policymakers have pledged to closely monitor risk factors that could exacerbate market fluctuations. The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, which is heavily weighted towards major players like Samsung and SK Hynix, has become a leveraged bet on AI hardware, reflecting the dual pressures of domestic investor behavior and global tech market instability. The recent bear market for the ETF underscores the fragility of investor sentiment and the potential for further turbulence as global economic conditions evolve. Market analysts warn that the current situation serves as a cautionary tale regarding market intervention strategies. The rapid shifts in investor sentiment and the resulting volatility highlight the challenges of managing a market influenced by both local and global dynamics. As South Korea navigates this complex landscape, the lessons learned may inform future policy decisions aimed at stabilizing the financial environment while fostering sustainable growth.

• Seoul rattled by Trump’s threat to drills at heart of US alliance
  FT · Aug 18, 2026

  The recent comments from the US president regarding military drills in South Korea have raised concerns about the stability of the US-Korean alliance. The president characterized the drills as “inappropriate and hostile” towards North Korea, a stark departure from previous US policy that emphasized military readiness in the face of potential threats from the North. This shift in rhetoric has left Seoul apprehensive about its security posture and the future of its alliance with Washington. Market reactions have been swift, with South Korean stocks experiencing volatility as investors weigh the implications of a potential reduction in US military support. The defense sector, in particular, is under scrutiny as uncertainty looms over the continuation of joint exercises that have been a cornerstone of deterrence against North Korean aggression. Analysts suggest that if the US were to scale back its military presence or alter its engagement strategy, it could embolden North Korea and destabilize the region, potentially leading to increased military spending by South Korea and its neighbors. As the situation develops, the South Korean government is likely to seek clarification from the US administration to mitigate fears and reassure markets. The outcome of this dialogue will be crucial in determining not only the future of US-Korean relations but also the broader geopolitical landscape in Northeast Asia, where the balance of power is increasingly delicate.

• Industry minister again heads for Washington amid growing US tariff pressure
  Macro Watch · Aug 16, 2026

  South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan has embarked on another trip to Washington amid escalating tariff pressures from the United States. This visit underscores the urgency for Seoul to address trade concerns as the U.S. government intensifies scrutiny on imports, particularly in sectors such as steel and semiconductors, which are vital to the South Korean economy. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing trade and investment cooperation, aiming to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs that could disrupt supply chains and economic stability. The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement comes as South Korea grapples with the implications of U.S. trade policies that could affect its exports, which are crucial for its economic growth. Analysts suggest that the outcome of these talks could influence market sentiment, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on U.S. markets. Should the discussions yield favorable results, it could alleviate some of the pressure on South Korean companies and bolster investor confidence. Conversely, a failure to reach an agreement may lead to increased volatility in the markets, particularly for industries facing direct tariff threats.