[THE INVESTOR] Foreign investors’ net buying of South Korean stocks hit 1.85 trillion won (US$1.64 billion) in August, continuing their buying spree for the third consecutive month, data showed on Sept. 19.

Thus, the value of foreigners’ holdings of listed shares here came to 467.6 trillion won as of the end of the month, accounting for 30.5 percent of the total market capitalization, according to the Financial Supervisory Service.

The amount is 3.2 trillion won short of the all-time high foreign stock holdings of 470.8 trillion won recorded in April last year.

By nationality, European and American traders bought a net 1.3 trillion won and 800 billion won worth of stocks, respectively, in August, while Asians sold a net 200 billion won worth of shares, the FSS said.

Foreigners bought stocks worth 466 billion won on a net basis in June and 4.11 trillion won in July.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)