[Thematic Stocks] Influenced by signs of the spread of new COVID-19 variants, Xiuzhan Technology's stock price surged over 25%

As signs of the spread of the new coronavirus variant BA.3.2 become more evident, diagnostic and vaccine-related sectors, including SuoZhen Technology, are attracting substantial buying interest.

As of the 17th, SuoZhen Technology traded at 6,510 Korean won, up 25.19% from the previous day. During the trading session, it briefly rose to 6,760 won, showing a strong stock price trend. SuoZhen Technology is a well-known self-test kit manufacturer.

Stocks in the same theme sector also generally surged. JinYuan Life Sciences hit the daily limit, while XinFeng Pharmaceuticals, XinFeng Pharmaceuticals preferred stock, and Green Life Sciences all recorded significant increases.

Analysts believe the rally is driven by renewed attention to the possibility that the new coronavirus variant may spread again. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that among coronavirus variants, BA.3.2—commonly known as the “cicada”—is showing signs of global circulation.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of countries that have detected this variant has risen to 33, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The United States has detected the strain in 25 states, and Japan has also confirmed its presence through samples from Tokyo.

The proportion of this variant is also rising rapidly domestically. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency shows that among domestic COVID-19 sublineages, the share of BA.3.2 increased from 3.3% in January to 12.2% in February, reaching 23.1% in March.

Previously, although BA.3.2 spread only limitedly after it was first discovered in South Africa, reports say that afterward it began to spread rapidly. However, as of now, no clear data has been found to support an increase in hospitalization or mortality rates caused by this variant.

Market views suggest that during the variant spread phase, stocks related to diagnostic kits, vaccines, and treatment drugs often show short-term sensitivity; investors should watch for the possibility that volatility in the related sectors will increase.