The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.2 per cent to close at 606.56 points, and the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange rose 0.4 per cent to stand at 82.34 points. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese shares continued to advance, rising slightly this morning on both local exchanges, led by banks' performances.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.2 per cent to close at 606.56 points, and the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange rose 0.4 per cent to stand at 82.34 points.

Banks continued to lead the market after the pressure on exchange rates and interest rates was removed following the American central bank's decision on Wednesday.

Vietcombank (VCB) went up 1.3 per cent, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID) inched up 0.4 per cent and Vietinbank (CTG) gained 0.5 per cent.

The market was also lifted by retailers such as Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG), Digiworld Corporation (DGW) and Thien Nam Trading Import Export JSC (TNA).

These shares gained 3.5 per cent, four per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively.

Other large-cap stocks also improved to drive the market up.

Ma San Group (MSN) was up 0.7 per cent, PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) inched up 0.2 per cent, Kinh Do Corporation (KDC) surged 2.6 per cent and Kinh Bac City Development Share Holding Corporation (KBC) gained 1.4 per cent.

FIT Investment JSC (FIT) was the most active stock, with more than 5.6 million of its shares being traded, gaining four per cent.

Both local exchanges traded nearly 68 million shares, worth VND1.2 trillion (US$53.6 million). —  VNS