If you invest in the US right now, there are risks like these
If you invest in the US now, there are risks like these | Chesley Investment Advisory Executive Director Park Se-ik [Womaesinbak / 26.08.12.Wed]
Speakers
Park Se-ik
— CEO, ex-Chief Strategist
Summary
Park Se-ik debunks the myth that institutions deliberately trap retail investors, explains real market dynamics, warns against small-cap zombie stocks, and highlights the risk of US equity investments due to a strengthening Korean won.
- Debunks the 'ant-trapping' myth: institutions compete fiercely and do not collude against retail investors.
- Explains that many small-cap Korean stocks are zombie companies or targets of manipulation; investors should avoid them.
- Notes the Korean won has strengthened and the USD/KRW uptrend appears broken, with further downside risk.
- Cautions that US stock investments carry currency risk, as won appreciation can erase index gains.
- Advises patience in the Korean domestic market.
Ideas
USD/KRW likely to decline further
The USD/KRW exchange rate broke its uptrend in July, with the won strengthening even as the Korean market plunged. US and Japanese intervention to stabilize the yen supports further won strength, so there is still downside risk for USD/KRW.
Avoid US equities due to won strength
Korean investors face a double headwind from US equities: taxes and potential currency losses if the won continues to strengthen. Even if the US market rises, the exchange rate can wipe out returns, making US stocks unattractive right now.
Up Next
This Chesley Investment Advisory (체슬리투자자문) video, published August 12, 2026, features Park Se-ik discussing USD/KRW, SPY. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers: Park Se-ik · Tickers: USD/KRW, SPY