In a fascinating trend, South Korean university students are increasingly turning to cryptoassets like Bitcoin (BTC) and overseas stocks, indicating a lack of faith in the domestic stock market. A recent survey conducted by Korea Investment and Securities found that 40% of students invest in both stocks and cryptoassets, attracted by the high expected rate of return and potential future value.

The survey, which polled over 400 students between June 11 and June 22, revealed that 72% invest in overseas stocks, primarily in New York Stock Exchange-listed firms. An impressive 89% of these students plan to expand their NYSE portfolios in the near future. Even those without existing NYSE portfolios expressed interest in investing in US shares, with 87% intending to do so within the next 12 months.

The students' preference for overseas stocks stems from their perception of lower volatility and stability compared to South Korean stocks. This lack of confidence in the domestic market is further evident in the small number of students investing in other Asian stock markets, with only 5% investing in Japan and 3% in China.

The survey highlights a significant shift in investment habits among young South Koreans, with more students investing their money than ever before. Compared to a similar study two years ago, the number of students who started investing at least three years ago has risen from 18% to 54%. Most students have invested over $3,590, with 40% investing more than $7,180. However, some students (17%) have taken on debt to finance their investments.

In addition to stocks and cryptoassets, students are also investing in financial products like principal-guaranteed assets, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), funds, and bonds. This trend suggests a lack of trust in traditional systems like pension services, savings accounts, and the domestic stock market. As the investment landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this trend shapes the financial future of South Korea's younger generation.