The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.8 per cent to close at 570.49 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange ended almost flat at 78.27 points. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (Bizhub) — Vietnamese shares ended mixed on the two local bourses this morning, while food and beverage producer Masan Group rose sharply to boost the market.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.8 per cent to close at 570.49 points, while the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange ended almost flat at 78.27 points.

The stock market received a strong boost from Masan Group (MSN), as investors expected the company to finalise a partnership agreement with a Thai beer producer. MSN surged 6.4 per cent this morning.

Insurance companies were another factor that boosted the market, led by Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), the largest insurer, after the stock jumped 3.9 per cent.

Other large stocks, such as Vietcombank (VCB), the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID), Vietinbank (CTG) and Vingroup JSC (VIC), besides PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) also helped to lift the market.

VCB and VIC rose 1.2 per cent, BID gained 1.5 per cent, CTG was up 0.6 per cent and GAS increased by 0.5 per cent.

Small and medium cap stocks were the most active stocks this morning. Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG) topped the market trading, with more than 2.7 million of its shares being traded, and ended flat.

Market liquidity was low with more than 50 million shares being traded, worth more than VND792 billion (US$35.2 million). — VNS