On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index inched 0.1 down to close at 576.72 points, while the HNX-Index on the smaller exchange in Ha Noi declined 0.6 per cent to end at 78.9 points. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Shares edged down this morning on the two markets when investors increased selling to earn short-term profits after a three-day rally.

On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index inched 0.1 down to close at 576.72 points, while the HNX-Index on the smaller exchange in Ha Noi declined 0.6 per cent to end at 78.9 points.

Energy stocks such as PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD), Petroleum Equipment Assembly and Metal Structure (PXS) and PetroVietnam Technical Service (PVS) continued to slide along with large slumps in the global oil prices, with decreases of 0.7 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

Banks also fell this morning, as most large-cap lenders such as Vietinbank (CTG), Vietcombank (VCB), Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID) and Eximbank (EIB) lost value.

The overall market condition was negative, with 27.4 per cent of the 683 trading stocks falling, while more than 18 per cent advanced.

Liquidity remained dry, with only 69 million shares worth almost VND1.1 trillion (US$49 million) being traded on the two markets.

The afternoon session will resume at 1pm. — VNS