Chapter 31

"In truth, my venture into stock trading has been relatively recent. I am still immersing myself in learning and experimenting extensively to give it my all... I am gaining more exposure and understanding as I progress."

"I see. Who initially excels at this? Getting acquainted with everything. Yet, it's quite extraordinary and unusual. It's a rarity for someone to transition from the electronics department to stocks. You might be the first among our graduates. Did any of our seniors pursue a similar path?"

"Even among my seniors, none shifted to stocks after graduating, especially those majoring in business. Furthermore, entering a securities company requires a license, posing significant hurdles for engineering students. Isn't that so?"

"Ah, I've heard about that. It's quite a challenge... Sang Hoon, how did you overcome these obstacles?"

Lee Sang-hoon, having ventured into the securities industry, became the focal point of discussion as his peers and juniors, who graduated from the electronics department, pursued related careers. Gradually, the attention turned towards Lee Sang-hoon, and he methodically addressed their inquiries.

"There was an incentive in the stock market. I've also been deeply fascinated by financial technology. However, is there any merit in it? I am concerned about securing a stable financial future solely through savings from my salary."

When Heo Ji-hoon initiated the conversation, the others looked at Lee Sang-hoon with eager anticipation. Lee Sang-hoon, however, maintained a reserved demeanor, contemplating their reactions. Merely hours ago, he confidently provided recommendations to the members, yet engaging in face-to-face dialogue with friends posed a different kind of challenge.

"I didn't expect there to be such a disparity between speaking directly to individuals and addressing them without face-to-face interaction. It feels like a new experience."

"Well, don't dismiss it outright. Share just one recommendation that has piqued your interest. If any of them are promising, simply give a nod. Go ahead."

Seated next to Lee Sang-hoon, Kang Min-seok prodded him.

"Alright, enough. It's ticklish."

"Hey, breathe through it. Add it if it doesn't blow off. Hyunwoo, you take the right side too. This one can't handle tickling well, so let's tease until something good comes from it."

"I'm talking. Stop. Haha, stop. Stop."

After a prolonged period, the reminiscent camaraderie of school days seemed to resurface. Lee Sang-hoon engaged in playful banter with his friends, all the while pondering over US shipbuilding and Jumi materials. However, disclosing the specific event's name weighed heavily on him. He realized that recommending an investment to a close friend was a challenging task.

After a lengthy session of playful antics, Lee Sang-hoon and his friends chuckled, acquiescing to Lee Sang-hoon's tacit request, as he hesitantly began to speak.

"It's a daunting task to disclose the specific investment. I find it challenging to broach this subject... Therefore, I believe it's better to recommend something else instead."

"What?"

Lee Sang-hoon's words piqued the interest of everyone present.

"It's difficult to engage in stock trading while being employed. If you're engrossed in stock transactions, it's challenging to focus on work, don't you think? Personally, I find it disruptive to interrupt my work for even a brief bathroom visit. How do you guys manage it during your work hours?"

Lee Sang-hoon's words resonated with the others, who nodded in agreement. Their conversation shifted to the potential for stock trading to become all-consuming, rather than strictly focusing on buying and selling individual stocks.

"Why not consider investing in a fund instead? There's still an upward trend, so it might be wiser to allocate funds into the market. It appears that the KOSPI will ascend to 1,800."

"1,800? Isn't it currently at 1,500? Are you suggesting a 20% increase from this point onward? Really?"

"Yes, that's my line of thinking. It remains speculative, but I believe reaching 1,800 isn't an implausible prospect."

Empowered by the insights gained from his readings, Lee Sang-hoon engaged in a confident discourse with his friends.

The composite stock index aligned with the insights he provided to the members regarding the US shipbuilding company. While predicting future stock prices via technical analysis proved to be a formidable task, interpreting completed charts felt as effortless as completing a math problem using an answer sheet. It wasn't merely about performing technical analysis; Lee Sang-hoon expounded upon several investment terms to his friends.

"Funds managed by companies don't individually purchase stocks. They acquire stocks collectively, akin to sweeping items into a basket. Although they may adopt diverse purchasing weights for stocks via varied designs, they could acquire Ohsung Electronics today and US Shipbuilding tomorrow. This entails a collective sweep of Ohsung Electronics and US Shipbuilding stocks. Consequently, the composite stock index and fund returns are anticipated to correspond similarly. Although the stock ratio is structured differently in the fund, the outcomes may vary slightly."

"Ah, are you referring to the Ohsung Group fund or the semiconductor fund?"

"Exactly. The Ohsung Group fund concentrates on acquiring stocks related to the Ohsung Group, whereas the semiconductor fund primarily deals in semiconductor-related stocks. By varying the purchase ratio within the fund, it's marketed as a particular fund. Upon closer inspection, one may infer that it predominantly acquires prominent stocks in bulk. Though the yield may not be substantial, it's a secure approach."

"Should one consider such an approach? Does it align with one's job?"

"Ideally, an index fund akin to those in the US would be desirable, but such a fund isn't available yet."

"What exactly is an index fund?"

"In essence, an index fund mirrors the index's movements. It delivers a similar rate of return to the composite stock index, providing peace of mind for investors. Consequently, Americans tend to opt for index funds rather than traditional installment savings."

"I see. So, if it ascends to 1,800, investing in a fund could potentially yield a minimum of 20%?"

As Lee Sang-hoon leisurely savored the beer in front of him, he found himself leading the discussions after delving into stock-related topics. Holding the microphone in front of the members and drawing the attention of his friends revolved around the same theme: stocks. Lee Sang-hoon realized that stocks resonated well with him.

"Indeed, a consistent 20% return. Nonetheless, it's crucial to select a respectable fund, as settling for a misguided option could prove detrimental. After all, where else would you find a reliable 20% yield product? Furthermore, reaching 1,800 might take one or two years, as I previously mentioned."

"Understood? It's a waiting game, isn't it?"

"At most, it's just a few months, as I mentioned. It's a consistent progression from 1,500 to 1,800... So, how long are we looking at? I'm planning to achieve this before the seasonal transition."

"If we're considering two seasons... Before the arrival of fall? Achieving it within six months? Wow~ Then we're looking at an annual interest rate exceeding 20%."

Lee Sang-hoon, once more indulging in his beer, provided his friends with an opportunity to ponder his words. As he conversed, he found himself learning and realizing the importance of delivering his thoughts with confidence, emphasizing the need to execute at the right timing.

Following Lee Sang-hoon's natural conclusion, his peers engaged in conversation amongst themselves.

"Funds? Have you heard about any investment funds?"

"Not really. Eunji, have you? You've always taken an interest in savings and similar matters."

"I've been intrigued, but I've not had a personal encounter. I've heard that investment funds are gaining attention these days, but I've been somewhat hesitant upon learning that there's a possibility of incurring losses."

"True. They say that if mishandled, there's a risk of financial loss..."

Upon concluding his words, Lee Sang-hoon's gaze shifted, redirecting the conversation toward a new topic, generating a degree of contemplation among his friends.

"Indeed, there's always an element of imperilment. Without risk, there can be no such substantial rate of return. It's all part and parcel of the sphere of stock investments. The potential earnings are proportional to the level of risk... High returns are inevitably accompanied by heightened risk."

As Lee Sang-hoon paused his discourse, his friends continued their exchange with one another.

"Sang-hoon is absolutely right. If you reflect on current installment savings, won't the interest be no more than 3% when factoring in taxes upon maturity? I dare say even less than 3%. However, a potential 20% return within a short timeframe, not spanning a year, is certainly worth considering. I must admit, Sang Hoon's insights have left me rather dubious."

"In that case, I plan to mobilize my spare funds during the company's lunch break tomorrow. Thank you, Sang Hoon."

"He's providing valuable advice. It's what friends do. Heh heh."

"If I do find success later due to your guidance, I'll certainly express my gratitude."

"Alright. Don't forget."

Lee Sang-hoon offered a restrained smile as he acknowledged his friends' gratitude.

Perhaps, if it were Kyu-chan or Hee-yeol, his close friends from high school, they might have discussed US Chosun or similar topics together. However, despite their close association, they were friends from college and maintained a certain degree of distance. Revealing the specific details of the investment event to them posed a challenge.

This feeling of unease stemmed from Lee Sang-hoon's school days. An inclination toward computers prompted him to assemble a device after investing significant time and effort, only to find his friends, who had purchased computers from major companies, disapproved of his approach. Instead of receiving gratitude and commendation, skepticism and continued requests for after-sales service followed, leading him to question his decision to opt for non-mainstream products. Subsequently, Lee Sang-hoon refrained from boasting about his computer skills in university and elsewhere, and when making computer recommendations, he advocated products from prominent manufacturers. These experiences led him to conclude that the circulation of computer recommendations should be restricted to immediate family members only.

I believed that stocks would follow a similar pattern. Even if I gained profits, I wouldn't need to credit myself with 10 won, and if I incurred losses, I'd prefer to hold myself accountable. However, rather than advising and endorsing individual stocks, I opted to recommend funds, much in the same way one might choose a computer from a prominent company. It's about security...

After taking a step back from the exhilarating conversation, Lee Sang-hoon stood deep in thought.

Prior to disseminating it to the members, Deputy Jang presented an email to Lee Sang-hoon for his review. Inspecting the email, Lee Sang-hoon found satisfaction. His insights on the US shipbuilding and IC Ucalls were encapsulated in the email, akin to definitive statements that adequately conveyed his perspective to those with limited understanding.

"This looks good."

"Then I'll send it as is."

"Yes, I think that's appropriate."

Upon Lee Sang-hoon's affirmation, Deputy Jang promptly distributed the email to the members. Observing this, Lee Sang-hoon inquired of Deputy Jang.

"How often do you send out these emails?"

"It's contingent upon the stature, and it's not rigidly scheduled to share an opinion. However, I endeavor to accomplish this at least weekly. It's essential to impart the impression that the 1 million won fee is warranted."

"Hmm... In that case, would it be more heartfelt to broadcast daily? It could potentially convey more sincerity than the emails."

"I understand your perspective. Many well-regarded experts do broadcast daily. However, for Chairman Wang here, he isn't particularly adept, so it's preferable to exercise restraint in trading from a listening perspective."

"You're suggesting it's best to proceed cautiously?"

When Lee Sang-hoon initially struggled to comprehend Jang's statement, Jang responded with a smile.

"What do you anticipate the average yield on stocks within Chairman Wang's portfolio to be? Specifically, the return for the current year. Although we're just over four months in, the market conditions have been favorable, so bear that in mind when projecting."

Upon hearing Deputy Jang's words, I inferred that Chairman Wang's return was relatively modest. Otherwise, I wouldn't have posed the question. After pondering for a moment, I suggested a conservative figure. When reflecting on my projections with university friends, I contemplated the expected return on the funds...

"Hmm... About 20%? Could it be that high?"