[THE INVESTOR] The National Pension Service increased its stakes in automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical companies this year, data showed on Aug. 22.

According to data provider FnGuide, the NPS increased its stakes to above 5 percent in 86 companies this year, of which 33 were in the three industries. On average, the price of the 86 companies stocks increased 3.55 percent this year. 



Under local regulations, the NPS is required to disclose the names of companies it holds stakes of 5 percent or larger in.

By industry, those in the chemical industry came to 12, while automotive and pharmaceuticals companies numbered 11 and 10, respectively.

Of the chemical companies, the NPS increased its stakes by 2 or more percentage points in Korea Petrochemical, Kumho Petrochemical, Lotte Fine Chemical and Namhae Chemical.

In the automotive industry, the NPS increased its stakes in Mando by a significant margin, going from 7.88 percent at the end of last year to 11.62 percent. So far this year, Mando shares have risen about 60 percent.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)