Local stock markets saw a correction on Thursday morning, the second trading of the Lunar New Year, due to rising profit-taking pressure after a rallying session yesterday.

The benchmark VN Index on HCM Stock Exchange moved down 0.3 per cent to close at 1,083.90 points. It climbed 2.59 per cent to close at 1,087.15 points on Wednesday.

The HNX Index on Ha Noi Stock Exchange lost 0.42 per cent to end at 125.32 points. The index edged up 1.24 per cent to end at 125.85 points on Wednesday.

More than 152 million shares, worth VND4.1 trillion (US$180 million), were traded on the two exchanges in the morning trade.

The market was dominated by declining stocks, which outstripped gainers by 324 to 200.

Blue chips continued to trade negatively as 18 of the 30 largest ones by market capitalisation and liquidity in the VN30 Index declined. The VN30 Index was down 0.33 per cent to end at 1,071.90 points.

The biggest decliners that had negative impact on the indices included Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (1.3 per cent), PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (2.6 per cent) and Coteccons Construction Joint Stock Company (1.7 per cent).

Meanwhile, the UPCOM Index on the Unlisted Public Company Market decreased 0.41 per cent to stand at 59.13 points. It increased 1.5 per cent to stand at 59.37 points on Wednesday.

The afternoon trading session starts at 1pm. — VNS