Both stock indices increased on Thursday morning on strengthened investor optimism about the market outlook. — Photo tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn

Both stock indices increased on Thursday morning on strengthened investor optimism about the market outlook.

The VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.7 per cent to close at 725.3 points, while on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index was up 0.6 per cent to end at 91.2 points.

Overall market condition was positive with 228 stocks advancing, 176 falling and 294 remaining unchanged.

Financial and pharmaceutical stocks were the major momentum drivers.

Eight of nine listed banks increased while one closed flat. BIDV was the most significant gainer with growth of two per cent, while Vietinbank (CTG), Sacombank (STB), Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB) all increased by over one per cent each

Large drug companies such as Hau Giang Pharmaceutical (DHG), Imexpharm (IMP) and Traphaco (TRA) moved up between 1.8 and 4.4 per cent each.

Major food-beverage companies including Vinamilk (VNM), Masan Group (MSN), confectionery Kido Group (KDC), brewery Sabeco (SAB) and sugar manufacturer Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh SJC (SBT) were also in positive territory.

A total of nearly 145 million shares worth VND2.4 trillion (US$104.3 million) were traded on the two markets.

Afternoon trade starts at 1pm. — VNS