The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.1 per cent to close at 548.41 points. — VNS Photo Gia Vi

HA NOI (Bizhub) — Vietnamese shares ended mixed on the two local exchanges this morning, while energy stocks retreated on lower crude prices.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.1 per cent to close at 548.41 points, and the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange lost 0.8 per cent to end at 77.36 points.

The energy sector index lost 0.9 per cent after global oil prices dropped from recent gains. London-traded Brent crude slumped 3.3 per cent to close trading at US$32.28 a barrel.

The largest energy stocks remained the most decisive factors to pull this sector down. PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (GAS) was down 0.8 per cent, PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services Corporation (PVD) dropped 1.3 per cent and PetroVietnam Coating JSC (PVB) slipped 3.6 per cent.

The banking sector extended losses from yesterday's decline, led by the Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BID) and Vietcombank (VCB), which went down 1.8 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively.

However, the food and beverage sector lifted the markets. Dairy firm Vinamilk (VNM) gained 2.3 per cent after the company announced share buyback to give bonus to 12 high-ranking company officials.

Both local bourses exchanged more than 106.5 million shares, worth VND1.5 trillion ($68.5 million). — VNS