The benchmark VN Index advanced slightly on Friday morning, however, the market volatility may remain as large-cap stocks showed little support to the index's further growth. - Photo tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn

Shares rose marginally on the HCM Stock Exchange on Friday morning, driven by energy firms and steel producers.

The benchmark VN Index inched up 0.08 per cent to close at 936.59 points. It gained 1.24 per cent on Thursday.

More than 106.3 million shares were traded on the southern bourse, worth VND2.41 trillion (US$107 million).

Gaining stocks outnumbered losers by 157 to 114, while 40 others stayed unchanged.

Shares of energy firms and steel producers were the main force that lifted the market.

The energy sector was led by PetroVietnam Gas (GAS) and PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services (PVD), which advanced 0.9 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively.

Steel producers Hoa Sen Group (HSG) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG), up 1.7 per cent and 2.3 per cent, meanwhile, boosted the heavy industry.

However, the market's prospects remained questionable as large-cap stocks showed little support for the benchmark index.

Sixteen of the 30 largest shares by market capitalisation on the VN30 Index made gains, and the large-cap index closed at 928.31 points, up only 0.01 per cent from Thursday’s closing level.

Among the decliners were property developer Vingroup (VIC), food and beverage firm Masan (MSN), BIDV (BID) and DHG Pharmaceutical JSC (DHG).

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX Index fell 0.21 per cent to end at 111.23 points. It advanced 0.92 per cent in the previous session.

More than 30.7 million shares were traded on the northern market, worth VND344.6 billion.

The afternoon session starts at 1pm. – VNS