South Korea’s major brokerage houses are estimated to have posted a combined operating income of KRW5.66tr (USD3.94bn) in 2024, up from KRW3.37tr the previous year, driven by increased overseas stock trading and reduced reserves for risky construction projects, according to FnGuide. Korea Investment & Securities led with KRW1.27tr, followed by Samsung Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Mirae Asset & Securities, and NH Investment & Securities. Overseas stock trading by retail investors surged 84% year-on-year to USD53.1bn, while the local stock market’s average daily turnover rose 2% to KRW19.1tr. Improved earnings are expected in 2025, supported by anticipated monetary easing and reduced risks in construction projects.