Korean Stock Exchange Brokers 2024
Korean Stock Exchange (KRX) brokers offer access to the only securities exchange based in South Korea. With a market cap worth over $2.46 trillion and a trading volume of 81 billion shares, day trading on the KRX is an attractive choice for investors. This review will look into its history, how the KRX works, market opening schedules, investing rules and more. We also provide comparison tips to help you choose between KRX brokers, including suggestions of the best brokers with access to the Korean Stock Exchange in 2024.
Top Korea Stock Exchange Brokers
These are the 2 best brokers for trading on the Korean Stock Exchange:
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1Interactive Brokers
Ratings
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
2IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | $100 |
Leverage | 1:50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Stock Exchanges
Interactive Brokers offers trading on 16 stock exchanges:
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Euronext
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korean Stock Exchange
- London Metal Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- Nasdaq Nordic & Baltics
- New York Stock Exchange
- Russell 2000
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Tadawul
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
Cons
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Stock Exchanges
IG offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Bombay Stock Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korean Stock Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- National Stock Exchange Of India
- Russell 2000
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Tadawul
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
Cons
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
- Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
How To Compare KRX Brokers
As part of the KRX program rules, you are required to open an account with licensed brokers to start investing on the exchange. Here are the key factors to look at when choosing between KRX brokers:
Fees
It is important to be fully aware of any trading fees or charges. Don’t get caught out by unexpected or hidden costs. As a day trader who places a high volume of trades throughout the day, commissions can add up and take away from profits. Therefore, you want to choose a provider with low commissions and tight spreads to make investing worthwhile.
Also consider other charges such as account funding fees, exchange data subscriptions and withdrawal costs. The best KRX brokers will publish all this information on their website so you can review this before committing to a live account. eToro, for example, offers commission-free stock and ETF investments, including on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). Nonetheless, a 0.15% spread fee applies to all non-US instruments.
Instrument
KRX brokers offering stocks are few and far between. Interactive Brokers is an outlier, offering access directly to the exchange and allowing traders to purchase stocks such as Kia, Samsung and LG Electronics.
However, for the majority of retail traders, the best way to trade the KRX is through an ETF. ETFs are funds that contain a mixture of instruments, often stocks, that aim to track a market or industry’s performance. The most liquid and widely offered ETF is the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY), which gives traders exposure to the South Korean economy.
Platforms
KRX brokers that offer a choice of trading platforms and software should rank highly in your comparison. This is where you will likely spend most of your hours when executing KRX trades, and will display the pricing information for your investment decisions. Check that the platform offers the right tools, price data, charts and graphs for technical analysis.
If you want the option of on-the-go investing, you should opt for KRK brokers with a mobile app.
Customer Service
When your trades are on the line and you encounter any issues, you will need KRX brokers with a responsive customer support team. Make sure that there are multiple ways to contact them and in the methods that suit you. This may include toll-free telephone numbers or live chat services. Additionally, most customer support teams have 24/7 opening hours, available in several languages. Pepperstone, for example, offers a 24-hour non-UK telephone, available seven days a week. Alternatively, retail traders can contact the brokers’ support team via live chat or WhatsApp.
What Is The Korea Exchange (KRX)?
History
The Korea Exchange was established in 1956 and initially operated independently. In 2005, the KRX we know today was formed when the Korean Stock Exchange, the Korean Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (KOSDAQ) and the Korean Futures Exchange joined forces.
The merger occurred as an outcome of the Korea Stock & Futures Exchange Act, which aimed to reduce costs and improve investor efficiency in response to rapidly changing financial markets.
The result was the creation of three divisions: the Stock Market Division, the KOSDAQ Market Division and the Derivatives Market Division.
The company is headquartered in Seoul and Busan, South Korea but the Korean Exchange Bank has numerous trade centre branches around the world.
How Does The KRX Work?
In 2021, the Korea Stock Exchange listed 2,448 companies, totaling a market cap of USD 2.6 trillion. In April 2021, the KRX trading volume reached over 86 billion shares, with a trading value of over 620 billion KRW (USD 540 million) in the same month. There are several large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap indices that hold a variety of companies arranged by market capitalization and other factors.
Under each market division, investors have a wide choice of tradable instruments. Access will vary between KRX brokers:
KOSPI Market Division
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Exchange-Linked Warrants (ELWs)
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
KOSDAQ Market Division
- Stocks
Derivatives Market Division
- Single Stock Futures
- Indices
- Equities
- Bonds
- Forex
- Commodities
KRX Indices
The Korean Stock Exchange has a total of 372 indices as of April 2021, covering equities, derivatives/commodities, fixed income, and more. The following are the standout KRX indices:
Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI)
KOSPI was initially introduced in 1983 and is calculated based on market capitalization. It is the stock market index that is representative of South Korea in the same way as the S&P 500 represents the United States.
Consisting of the most common stocks listed on KOSPI, it is also considered Korea’s key economic indicator that gauges the overall health of the KOSPI market. The KOSPI and its subsidiaries are the most popular global indices.
KOSPI 200
The KOSPI 200 index, otherwise known as the Korean blue-chip index, was established in 1994. It served as an underlying index for futures and options. The 200 companies listed are market and industry leaders from the Stock Market Division, which features decent liquidity. With a 70% market value of the KOSPI, this index moves alongside it.
More importantly, KOSPI 200 is listed on the futures and options markets and is one of the most highly traded indices in the world.
KOSDAQ 150
The KOSDAQ 150 index was introduced in 2015 and represents the technology sector in Korea. It is currently used as the underlying index for futures and ETFs. The constituents listed are calculated based on market capitalization, sector representativeness, and liquidity. When KRX investing on the KOSDAQ 150, retail traders are speculating on the rise and fall of top global names such as Samsung, Kia and LG Electronics.
KRX 300
The KRX 300 index was created to maximize the market cap coverage of both KOSPI and KOSDAQ. Therefore, it represents a combination of 300 sector leaders in both of these markets. The shares listed on the KRX 300 are chosen for their market capitalization, liquidity, and sector representation standards. It was created in 2018.
Korea Stock Exchange Program Rules
If you wish to trade on the Korea Stock Exchange, there are a few basic KRX rules to consider. Korea-based investors must open an investment account through licensed securities companies or brokers that have obtained a KRX membership. KRX orders can only be placed through these members.
On the other hand, foreigners need to obtain an Investors Registration Certificate from the Financial Supervisory Service.
The FSS is Korea’s integrated supervisory authority. Afterwards, foreigners need to open an account with a local custodian bank that provides custody, money transfer and security settlement services.
Korea Stock Exchange Listing Requirements
Admission
Before a firm can be traded via KRX brokers, let’s consider what it takes for a company to be listed on the exchange. The South Korea Stock Exchange has set out strict criteria that companies must meet to float on the exchange. The KRX rule system is divided into quantitative and qualitative criteria, which differ from the KOSPI to the KOSDAQ to the KONEX market. Some formal listing review requirements are as follows:
Quantitative Criteria To Be Listed On KOSPI:
- Paid-in capital must equal or be over KRW30 billion
- The company must have been in operation for three or more years
- The expected number of shares to be listed must be one million or more
- Recent sales from the company must amount to KRW100 billion or more, with previous three-year sales averaging KRW70 billion
Qualitative Criteria:
- Transparency of Business Operations – This includes corporate governance, internal control systems and fiscal transparency
- Continuity of the Company – This refers to the stability of operations, finance and other business issues i.e. the existence of conflict and litigation
- Protection of Investors – This includes disclosure transparency, protection of minority shareholders and stock market integrity
KRX Exchange Opening Hours
Sessions on the KRX work similarly to other major stock markets around the world. Whether you’re investing in stocks, futures markets, derivatives or trading on the KOSPI, they can all be executed within the times below. The regular schedule including extended hours are as follows:
Trading days: Monday to Friday (GMT +9:00):
- 8:00am – 9:00am KST: Pre-Hours
- 9:00am – 3:30pm KST: Main Session
- 3:40pm – 6:00pm KST: Post-Hours
The South Korea Exchange trading hours are a total of 6 hours and 30 minutes per day, whereas other markets can be open anywhere between 5 to 7 hours a day. Shorter sessions can mean increased liquidity, less volatility, tighter spreads and more efficient markets.
According to the South Korea Stock Exchange calendar, there are some market holidays to consider. These will be reflected in all KRX brokers’ published calendars. The trading holidays work in a similar pattern each year. It might be worth referring to previous Korea Stock Exchange 2020 and 2021 trading calendars for example. Typical holidays include New Year’s Day, Korean New Year, Independence Day, Chuseok Festivity and Children’s Day.
Biggest Players
You can find the largest businesses that dominate the KRX on the KOSPI indices. Typically, Korea is famous for its technology and automotive companies, many of which are well-known around the world.
For example, Samsung currently leads with a market cap of over $470 billion. Other familiar brands include Hyundai ($44.82 billion), Kia ($30 billion) and LG Electronics ($27.44 billion).
As you can see, these companies have outstanding valuations that are worth considering when day trading shares on the KRX. These equities are likely to be the most frequently traded via KRX brokers, with high trading volumes suitable for intraday traders.
Why Trade The Korea Stock Exchange?
As one of the top exchanges around the world, there are many reasons why investors are flocking to find KRX brokers that support trading on the exchange. The following are just some of the benefits of investing on the Korea Stock Exchange:
- Liquidity: The KRX offers high trading volumes with a healthy market cap, which makes it one of the most liquid stock exchanges in Asia. Thousands of companies from various industries feature on the KRX indices too. The introduction of a market maker system has also further increased liquidity.
- Diverse Investment Vehicles: The available traded instruments offered by the KRX provide more opportunities for a diverse portfolio. You can have your choice of over 300 indices, bonds, futures, ETFs and more. This also results in more opportunities to diversify any portfolio.
- Transparency: KRX has enhanced its credibility internationally by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate with the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) on a trade repository for information sharing. This means improved market data across several jurisdictions.
- Hours: The Korea Exchange offers extended hours before and after the main session. Additionally, its shorter market opening times mean higher liquidity, tighter spreads, lower volatility and more efficient trading. Furthermore, it allows for more time to consolidate any market news or data ahead of regular sessions.
- Growth: South Korea has rapidly grown to be a strong and stable economy. It is expected to grow at a rate of 2.3% to 3.6% from 2021 to 2026. It also has a stable annual per capita income of more than $30,000.
KRX Trading Tips
Strategy
Before you start investing on the Korea Stock exchange, it is key that you have an effective strategy. More often than not, unnecessary losses are due to poorly managed decisions. Nowadays, KRX brokers offer a plethora of stock charts, graphs, historical prices and market data that you can utilize for effective technical analysis. While some KRX brokers may charge fees for market data, there are still many resources that are free of charge. By utilizing the right tools, it can help you visualize a pattern, which will facilitate in making more accurate price predictions.
News
Keeping up with the latest market news and market data is key. You need to be able to anticipate market moves and stay ahead of any factors that can trigger significant price shifts. There are several resources you can utilize, from live news reporting to updates or even forecasts. Some popular financial news sources include Bloomberg, FT and Yahoo Finance.
The best KRX brokers will also integrate this information into their platforms, so you can keep up to date with the latest market data. News websites can also provide KRX calendars with any significant market holidays.
Timing
As mentioned, KRX trading hours can offer opportunities for increased liquidity and more efficient investing. While you can trade during extended hours, it does not necessarily result in more profit potential. Pre-market hours will have less volume and may have different rules. It also means limited liquidity with increased volatility and larger spreads. On the other hand, earnings trade reporting and key market news are generally announced post-trading sessions. This can result in major price swings during the after-hours market.
It is important to note that not all KRX brokers will offer out-of-hours trading. Reach out to their customer service team if this information is not clear.
Automation
Once you’ve perfected your strategy, it could be time to consider automated trading. Automating your trades with a robot that follows predetermined criteria can open up more opportunities for increased profits beyond what you could perform manually. Algorithms can also help you save time so that you can focus on research or other matters. However, any bot that will trade on your behalf should be backtested. Run the automation on a demo account before letting loose on your live funds.
Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to monitor your KRX performance and what can be improved over time. We recommend noting it down on a spreadsheet or any other specialist software. Some examples of useful information to keep track of include:
- Price
- Entry & exit position
- Purchase & sale date
- Position size
- Reason for making the trade
With the frequency of trades placed during the intraday, it can be hard to know what is working and what isn’t. Therefore, visualizing data on your KRX successes or failures will make identifying a fruitful strategy much easier. Many established KRX brokers offer a journal section within their platform interfaces, meaning you won’t need to switch between pages to access your trade information.
Final Word KRX Brokers
Day trading with KRX brokers offers multiple opportunities to profit from indices such as the KOSPI, KOSDAQ or KRX. With a large market cap and high daily trading volume, it’s no surprise that many are choosing to day trade on the Korean Stock Exchange. However, to gain an edge in a competitive market, it is crucial to be prepared with an effective strategy that utilizes news and market data. Additionally, take note of our top Korea Stock Exchange brokers to ensure you are getting regulated, high-quality investing conditions.
FAQs
What Tradable Instruments Are Available On The Korea Exchange?
There are many markets day traders can get involved with on the KRX. Separated into the KOSPI, KOSDAQ and Derivatives Market Division, traders can get involved with: stocks, bonds, ETFs, ELWs, REITs, Indices, Futures, Equities, Forex, Bonds and Commodities. Access to these instruments will vary between brokers.
Does The Korea Stock Exchange Have Extended Market Trading Hours?
Yes. The Korea Exchange has extended trading hours from Monday to Friday. The pre-trading session occurs between 8:00 to 9:00 am KST, while the post-trading session is from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The post-market session is also known as the single price auction. Extended hours are trading times that occur before and after an official session. Look out for KRX brokers that offer this. Pre-market and after-hours trading will generally have less volume, which means limited liquidity, increased volatility and larger spreads. Additionally, the Korea Exchange is not open on Saturday or Sunday.
Does The KRX Have A Trade Repository?
Yes. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) and the Korea Exchange signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on a Trade Repository (TR) solution in Korea. The trade repository allowed for better transparency of derivative markets, increased cooperation across jurisdictions and reduce risks of financial instability.
Are There Any Trading Fees Associated With KRX Brokers?
Market charges vary between KRX brokers. Your provider may impose commission fees, deposit minimums and deposit and withdrawal fees. It’s important to be aware of all fees when investing in the KRX, as they may eat into your profits over time.