iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Banco Santander SA — how do they compare? iShares MSCI South Korea ETF trades at $164.52, while Banco Santander SA trades at $13.66 (market cap $195.14B). The key difference: Banco Santander SA pays a 2.01% dividend while iShares MSCI South Korea ETF pays none, and Banco Santander SA is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares MSCI South Korea ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EWY | SAN | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Financials |
52-Week High | $219.20 | $14.37 |
52-Week Low | $70.65 | $8.40 |
Market Cap | — | $195.14B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.01% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EWY, the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, is trading at $166.48, down 5.93% amid significant volatility in South Korean equities. Technical indicators show a bearish trend with strong selling pressure, while the underlying Kospi Index has experienced sharp declines from recent highs. The ETF remains heavily concentrated in Samsung and SK Hynix, making it highly sensitive to semiconductor and AI market dynamics.
The outlook remains challenging with ongoing volatility in chip stocks and foreign investor selling. While long-term AI demand provides potential upside, current market conditions suggest continued pressure. Key risks include single-stock concentration and global tech sector volatility, requiring careful risk management for investors.
SAN trades at $13.67, up 0.29% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a neutral RSI. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $0.4144, beating expectations of $0.29, and maintains a strong net income margin of 26.72%. Recent developments include the acquisition of TSB and AI-driven efficiency initiatives targeting over $1.15 billion in business value.
Outlook is positive with analyst consensus at 64% buy ratings, supported by record profitability and a dividend yield from the recent $0.15 payout. Risks include declining operating cash flow, high debt levels, and antitrust probes in Spain. The stock offers value with a P/E of 13.73 and ROE of 16.18%, but investors should monitor cash flow trends and regulatory outcomes.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
EWY tracks the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, offering targeted exposure to large and mid-cap companies in South Korea. It is structurally centered on the global technology supply chain, industrials, and financial services, serving as a liquid tool for investors seeking a single-country view of this advanced, innovation-led economy.
Read more on EWY →Santander's focus is on retail and commercial banking. Latin America is geographically the largest operation, with Brazil by far the largest. Its continental European business is still mainly Iberian. Santander's U.K. presence is the result of the acquisition of building society Abbey. In the U.S., Santander operates a vehicle finance business and a regional bank focused on the Northeastern states.
Read more on SAN →