[THE INVESTOR] KB Financial Group, LG Electronics and Samsung SDI were among the top picks by foreign investors through October, which have enjoyed decent gains far exceeding the market-average returns, industry data showed on Oct. 22.

According to the data compiled by market tracker FNGuide, foreign investors have scooped up KB Financial Group stocks worth 1.23 trillion won (US$1.07 billion) so far this year through on Oct. 20, with some 1 trillion won and 845 billion won, respectively, poured into buying LG Electronics and Samsung SDI.

During the cited period, KB Financial has risen 34 percent, with LG Electronics and Samsung SDI also racking up an 85 percent gain and an 88 percent rise, respectively.

Over the cited period, the country‘s benchmark index, the KOSPI, has advanced 22.85 percent.

Hyundai Heavy Industries, POSCO, Hyundai Motor and Hana Financial Group were among their top picks as well, the data showed.

The data also showed that institutional investors heavily bought Naver, LG Electronics, LG Chem and Lotte Shopping, which also logged decent gains, according to the data.  

The top 10 stocks favored by foreign investors have generated an average 36 percent yield, while institutional investors’ top-10 picks posted an average 46 percent rise.

Retail investors‘ top picks were SK hynix, Samsung Electronics, LG Display and AmorePacific, and they enjoyed an average 25 percent advance during the cited period, the data showed.

By Alex Lee (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)