Blue chips stayed the market engine, when 26 of the top 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity on the HCM City’s exchange gained and only four lost. — Photo ndh.vn

The VN-Index continued its winning march on Thursday morning, hitting over 1,015 points, up 0.93 per cent over Wednesday’s close.

Money was poured in various stock groups, which helped expand gaining numbers on the electronic board.

Nearly 190 stocks advanced on the HCM Stock Exchange, while 88 declined. The other 72 remained unchanged.

Blue chips stayed the market engine, when 26 of the top 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity on the HCM City’s exchange gained and only four lost.

Bank and energy stocks attracted the heaviest investment.

Seven listed banks on the southern exchange increased, led by VPBank (VPB), up 3.6 per cent, BIDV (BID), up 2.2 per cent and Sacombank (ST), up 1.5 per cent.

Major oil and gas companies, such as PV Gas (GAS), PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services (PVD) and Petrolimex (PLX) rose 1.6 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

A total of 146 million shares worth VND3.4 trillion (US$149 million) were traded in the southern market.

Trade was slower on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, with the HNX-Index edging up 0.13 per cent at 119.34 points. Over 36 million shares worth VND575.3 billion were exchanged here.

The afternoon trade session starts at 1pm. – VNS