Shares fell in the last minutes of Wednesday's morning trading, despite a positive opening.

Many blue chips unexpectedly retreated, weighing down the two markets.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, the VN-Index fell 0.11 per cent to 988.41 points after climbing to 995 points in early morning.

Several heavyweight shares turned heads by declining by the end of the morning trade, including PV Gas, Hoa Phat Group, FPT Corp, Vincom Retail, Phu Nhuan Jewelry and Mobile World Investment.

Banking stocks also slumped, as Vietcombank and Vietinbank slipped 2.2 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively. Other banks such as Techcombank, Vietnam Prosperity bank, BIDV and Ho Chi Minh Development Bank dropped by less than 1 per cent.

Among the few gainers, only Vingroup and Masan Group increased by more than 1 per cent but their gains failed to support the market.

Overall, 23 of the top 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity declined.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index fell 0.56 per cent to 106.12 points.

A total of 113 million shares worth VND2.4 trillion (roughly US$102 million) were traded in the two markets.

Afternoon trading starts at 1pm. – VNS