The VN Index continued its downward trend this morning by losing 1.21 per cent to close at 555.51 points. — VNS Photo Truong Gia Vi

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese shares extended their losses in the first morning session that followed a short mid-week break.

The VN Index continued its downward trend this morning by losing 1.21 per cent to close at 555.51 points.

Gas firms continued to decline and were the major reason for market's fall.

Petrovietnam Gas Corp (GAS) and Petrovietnam Drilling and Well Service Corp (PVD) were two worst losers, decreasing 3.78 and 1.96 per cent, respectively.

Other leading shares also fell. Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), Ma San Group (MSN) and Hoa Sen Group (HSG) dropped 3.05, 1.27 and 1.94 per cent, respectively.

Securities shares, particularly, had a bad session, in which HCM City Securities Corp (HCM) and Saigon Securities Inc (SSI) lost 2.83 and 3.5 per cent, respectively.

Market liquidity was low, with only 45 million shares being traded, worth VND741.54 billion (US$33 million).

Quang Nam Rubber Investment Co (VHG) was the most active share on the southern bourse, trading more than three million shares, claiming 2.78 per cent in value.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, HNX Index finished at 76.56 points, a decrease of 0.62 per cent.

More than 26 million shares were traded, worth VND289.4 billion ($12.8 million).

Thang Long Investment Group Co (TIG) was the most active stock on the Ha Noi market, trading nearly 2.3 million shares, but was down 2.56 per cent in market value. — VNS