Higher dividend payouts and stock split are encouraging some investors. Korean companies are facing increased pressure from the government to raise dividends, which are among the lowest of any large economy in Asia. However, with Samsung shares tumbling, shareholder rewards probably are not enough to stoke significant interest in South Korean stocks in the near-term. [Samsung Weighs on South Korea ETFs]
The low energy prices and cheap financing have also supported investor sentiment and positive outlook for earnings growth ahead. South Korea is a net energy importer, implying that it is one of the emerging markets that should be benefiting from low energy prices.
iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF
