Liquidity was low with just 74 million shares worth a combined VND1.34 trillion (US$57.3 million) traded on the two markets. — Photo bizlive.vn

Shares tumbled on the two national stock exchanges on Wednesday morning due to weak trading.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, the VN-Index decreased 0.46 per cent to end at 893.85 points.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index edged down 0.48 per cent at 101.95 points.

Liquidity was low with just 74 million shares worth a combined VND1.34 trillion (US$57.3 million) traded on the two markets, much lower than the average value of over VND2 trillion in the morning trade.

Blue chips were among worst performers.

As many as 18 of the top 30 shares by market value and liquidity on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange lost value while only six advanced.

Large-cap shares such as Vinamilk (VNM), Vingroup (VIC), Vinhomes (VHM), PV Gas (GAS), Vietinbank (CTG), steelmaker Hoa Phat Group (HPG) and DHG Pharmaceutical (DHG) all slumped.

Some bucked the trend and posted gains including Vietcombank (VCB), Mobile World Group Investment (MWG) and Phu Nhuan Jewelry, but their growth was very small and failed to support the market.

The afternoon trade starts at 1pm. – VNS