The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.5 per cent to close at 548.03 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange dropped 0.6 per cent to end at 76.39 points. — VNS Photo Gia Vi

HA NOI (Bizhub) — Vietnamese shares ended mixed this morning on the two local exchanges, while financial firms continued to support the markets.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.5 per cent to close at 548.03 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange dropped 0.6 per cent to end at 76.39 points.

Financial firms made slight gains to lift the market. The banking sector index gained 0.3 per cent, the insurance sector index was up 0.4 per cent, and the brokerage sector index added 0.1 per cent.

Among these companies, insurance firm Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) increased by one per cent, Vietinbank (CTG) gained 1.7 per cent, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID) was up 0.6 per cent, and HCM City Securities Corporation (HCM) rose 0.7 per cent.

In addition, other large-cap stocks such as dairy company Vinamilk (VNM) and property developer Vingroup JSC (VIC) also made gains. VNM jumped 2.6 per cent and VIC inched up 0.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, energy stocks declined as oil prices fell after making large gains last week. PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) was down 0.5 per cent, and PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PVS) fell 2.6 per cent.

Both local markets traded 78 million shares, worth VND1.06 trillion (US$47 million). — VNS