Investors at the HCM Stock Exchange. The VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange went up 0.44 per cent to 703.12 points. — Photo tbck.vn

Shares advanced on Tuesday morning as many large-cap stocks posted strong gains on a positive market outlook.

The VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange went up 0.44 per cent to 703.12 points. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX Index rose 0.85 per cent to 85.7 points.

Blue chips led the market upturn, with 21 of the top 30 shares by market value and liquidity on the southern bourse rallying; only seven declined.

Among the big gainers steelmaker Hoa Phat Group rose 1.5 per cent to VND44,750 (US$1.98) per share after the Dung Quat Economic Zone Authority and Quang Ngai Industrial Park Management Board on Monday granted it investment certificate to build a $2.65 billion iron and steel production complex.

Liquidity increased with around 125.5 million shares worth VND2.25 trillion being traded in the two markets, a nearly twofold rise compared to the usual morning trading value.

The afternoon trading session starts at 1pm. — VNS