The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.5 per cent to close at 560.60 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange ended flat at 76.10 points. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (Bizhub) — Vietnamese shares ended mixed this morning on the two local markets, while energy stocks extended their losses following lower crude prices.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.5 per cent to close at 560.60 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange ended flat at 76.10 points.

The energy sector declined further after American benchmark crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to a fresh 12-year low at US$31.41 a barrel yesterday.

Among local energy stocks, PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) lost 1.1 per cent, PetroVietnam Coating JSC (PVB) dropped 3.5 per cent, and PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PVS) fell two per cent.

Other falling large-cap stocks included property developer Vingroup JSC (VIC), which fell 0.4 per cent, and Da Nang Rubber JSC (DRC), which was down 0.9 per cent.

On the positive side, large-cap stocks sent out signals for recovery. The largest stocks made gains, such as dairy firm Vinamilk (VNM), which gained 1.7 per cent; food and beverage producer Masan Group (MSN), which was up 1.3 per cent; Vietcombank (VCB), which rose one per cent; and the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID), which added 1.1 per cent.

The stock markets traded more than 74 million shares, worth VND952 billion ($42.3 million). — VNS