Pokemon Go success helps fuel OTC market boom

[THE INVESTOR] The popularity of Pokemon Go -- a mobile, augmented reality game -- is convincing more investors to see the money-making potential of unlisted firms trading in South Korea's over-the-counter stock market. 

According to Korea Financial Investment Association, an average daily trading value at the OTC has nearly doubled during the past seven months to 674 million won (US$ 591,400) in July from 390 million won in January.

Monthly trading volume also has surged to 11.46 million shares as of June 18 in this month, from 6.8 million shares in February. 

“The success of Pokemon Go signals companies that have new types of technology are well worth investing in,” said Chung Seung-ki, an analyst at Dongbu Securities. 

Stock prices of virtual reality company FXGear and VR game developer Iconix Skonec are showing an upward trend.

And it's not just gaming companies, but biotech firms are also gaining attention after a series of successful clinical trials in the industry. 

Among biopharmaceutical firms, YD Global Life Science has gained 121 percent from earlier this year while MegaGen Implant and Novarex rose 95 percent and 45 percent, respectively. 

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)