Shares inched higher on Thursday morning, supported by large-cap stocks in manufacturing and energy sectors.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index posted a gain of 2.58 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 1,394.49 points, with the market's breadth being positive.

The liquidity also improved as investors poured over VND12 trillion (US$424.7 million) into HoSE, equivalent to a trading volume of 409 million shares.

The index was supported by gains in some large-cap stocks, especially in manufacturing and energy sectors, despite falls in the 30 biggest stocks tracker VN30-Index. Accordingly, the VN30-Index lost 1.18 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,504.37 points.

Of the VN30 basket, 16 stocks climbed while 11 ended lower and three were flat in the morning trade.

Supporting the index's rally, Vietnam Rubber Group (GVR) led the gaining group, with a rise of 2.8 per cent. It was followed by PetroVietnam Gas (PVGas, GAS) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG), up 1.35 per cent and 0.53 per cent, respectively.

On the downtrend, real estate and bank stocks were still favourite shares for profit-taking. Of which, Vingroup (VIC) and Vinhomes (VHM) were two biggest lossers, down 0.86 per cent and 0.75 per cent, respectively.

SahaBank (SHB) and Vietcombank (VCB) were also among big stocks weighing the market's sentiment.

On Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index inched higher this morning on coal stocks like Vinacomin - Vang Danh Coal (TVD). The index rose 4.69 points, or 1.24 per cent, to 384.03 points. VNS