The top five conglomerates’ presence in the local stock market reached an all-time high last month, data showed Tuesday, as exporters gathered ground on the global economic recovery.

The combined market capitalization of the top five business groups’ listed affiliates reached 636.2 trillion won ($555.1 billion) as of end-March, according to the data compiled by the bourse operator Korea Exchange.

The number accounts for 54.8 percent of the combined market cap of the companies listed on the main bourse, compared to 39.9 percent tallied in end-2008, when the global financial crisis weighed down on local exporters.

Samsung Group, South Korea’s top conglomerate, saw its market cap reach 335.1 trillion won in end-March, or 28.9 percent of the total, trailed by Hyundai Motor Group, the world’s fifth-largest automotive firm, with 11.7 percent.

LG Group and SK Group took up 6.3 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively, the data showed. Lotte Group, South Korea’s largest retail conglomerate, saw its market presence reach 2.2 percent.

By individual affiliate, Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer, held the largest portion at 21.1 percent, with its market cap reaching 244.9 trillion won in end-March. (Yonhap News)