The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.9 per cent to close at 601.65 points. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese shares rose slightly on both lcal exchanges this morning, as the energy sector improved following the rise in global oil prices.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.9 per cent to close at 601.65 points, and the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange gained 0.5 per cent to end at 81.63 points.

The energy sector gained after the American benchmark crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 6.3 per cent overnight to trade at US$45.94 a barrel.

Energy stocks, therefore, made good gains this morning. PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) inched up 0.7 per cent, PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services (PVD) gained 0.8 per cent and Drilling Mud Joint Stock Corporation (PVC) rose 2.1 per cent.

The financial sector with banks, brokerage firms and insurers improved after the American central bank last night decided to keep the interest rates stable till its next meeting in December.

The largest stocks, such as Vietcombank (VCB) and the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID), inched up 0.4 per cent each, while Saigon Securities Incorporate (SSI) rose 1.3 per cent and Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) edged up 0.9 per cent.

Other large stocks on the market also rose, lifting the market. Vinamilk (VNM) rose 4.4 per cent, FPT Corporation (FPT) gained 1.2 per cent and Vingroup Corporation (VIC) jumped two per cent.

Both local exchanges traded more than 72.7 million shares, worth VND1.34 trillion ($59.5 million). – VNS