An investor tracks stock market movements at Sai Gon-Ha Noi Securities Co’s trading board. — Photo shs.com.vn

Shares were volatile during Thursday morning trade, with many large-cap stocks declining.

On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index inched up 0.1 per cent to 675 points following a two-day rally.

The HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange edged down 0.34 per cent to 81.3 points.

Overall market condition was negative with 192 stocks falling, 152 rising and 355 closing flat on the two markets.

Several large-cap stocks slumped in morning trade, including highest-valued firms such as dairy giant Vinamilk (VNM), Masan Group (MSN) and Military Bank (MBB).

Modest gains in other blue chips, such as Faros Construction (ROS), brewery Sabeco (SAB), Vietcombank (VCB) and VinGroup (VIC), as well as lender BIDV (BID), insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) and Vietinbank (CTG), lifted the market slightly above the reference line.

Liquidity was slow, with just 65 million shares worth nearly VND1.2 trillion (nearly US$53 million) traded on the two markets.

Afternoon trade starts at 1pm. – VNS