Seoul: Sales of derivative-linked securities in South Korea grew 24.1 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, data showed Wednesday. The combined value of equity-linked securities (ELS) and derivative-linked securities (DLS) issued in the January-March period came to 19.6 trillion won (US$12.9 billion), up 3.8 trillion won from a year earlier.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the outstanding value of these financial products reached 93.5 trillion won at the end of March, showing a decrease of 1.6 trillion won from the previous year's end. These products are structured to track the performance of underlying assets but do not guarantee the principal, offering higher yields which attract investors.

ELS are hybrid debt securities whose returns are influenced by the performance of underlying equities. These products primarily track benchmark stock indexes, including the Korea Composite Stock Price Index 200. In the first quarter, sales of ELS products amounted to 5.5 trillion won, marking a 14.6 percent increase from the previous year.