The VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange added 0.7 per cent to end at 565.14 points. — VNS Photo Gia Vi

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Shares advanced this morning following reports that the settlement date for security transactions will be shortened from the current three days (T+3) to two days (T+2) from January 1, 2016.

The State Securities Commission said late yesterday that it has steered the Vietnam Securities Depository Centre to plan a project to reduce the securities settlement time from 9am on T+3 to 4.30pm on T+2, effective from January 1, 2016.

The VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange added 0.7 per cent to end at 565.14 points.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index also edged up 0.13 per cent to close at 78.04.

The market sentiment was positive with nearly 32 per cent of the total 672 stocks advancing, while only 18 per cent fell.

Liquidity remained very low, however, as just about 59 million shares, worth VND875 billion (US$38.9 million), were traded on the two markets, down more than 20 per cent from yesterday morning's level.

Only eight stocks, accounting for more than one per cent of the total stocks saw trading of more than one million shares. They were all HCM City-listed shares.

Dragon Land Real Estate Co (LDG) led the trading with 2.2 million of its shares being exchanged, rising 2.1 per cent to stand at VND14,700 ($0.65) per share.

The afternoon session will start at 1pm. — VNS