The benchmark VN Index on HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.54 per cent to close at 587.86 points. — VNS Photo Gia Vi

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese benchmark shares made their first gains this morning with low trading, following three consecutive losing sessions since Monday.

The benchmark VN Index on HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.54 per cent to close at 587.86 points.

Large-cap shares rose to lift the stock market, especially those that had suffered from strong selling pressure from shareholders during the last few days.

Among the 30 largest shares on the southern bourse, 20 rose in comparison to only three losers.

Leading sectors such as banks and energy firms rose slightly. Petrovietnam Gas Corp (GAS) gained 1.5 per cent and Petrovietnam Drilling and Well Service Corp (PVD) was up 1.7 per cent.

Banks such as Vietinbank (CTG) and Vietcombank (VCB) were up 1.5 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively.

Other large players such as Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) and Vingroup Co (VIC) also made gains and helped the market to rise.

At the end of the morning, more than 38 million shares were exchanged, worth VND567.8 billion (US$25.2 million).

Quang Nam Rubber Investment Co (VHG) was the most active share on the HCM City market, gaining four per cent, and trading more than 2.6 million shares.

However, the Ha Noi Stock Exchange's HNX Index closed at 76.49 points, a decrease of 0.11 per cent.

The index, which started with an upward trend, declined during the morning.

Key sectors such as energy and securities firms recovered in the early session. Petroleum Technical Services Corp (PVS) and VNDirect Securities Co (VND) were both up 1.5 per cent.

Thang Long Investment Group Co (TIG) led the trading in the morning, with more than 1.5 million of its shares being exchanged, but lost 2.6 per cent.

Nearly 18.3 million shares were traded on the northern bourse, worth VND194 billion ($8.63 million). — VNS