The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange struggled to remain positive in the early session as securities stocks ran into profit-taking after recent gains. — VNA Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese shares struggled to remain upbeat in the early session as investors began to seek profits from the recent gains.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange inched up 0.1 per cent to close at 651.38 points.

The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange rose 0.6 per cent to end at 86.40 points.

The real estate industry was the bright spot in the early session as property developers maintained gains.

FLC Group (FLC) gained 1.6 per cent, Kinh Bac City Development Share Holding Corp (KBC) jumped 4.5 per cent and Sai Gon Thuong Tin Real Estate JSC (SCR) surged 8 per cent.

Construction companies also moved up.

Coteccons Construction JSC (CTD) added 1 per cent, Vinaconex 25 JSC (VCC) surged 7.4 per cent and Vinaconex Investment and Tourism Development JSC (VCR) jumped 7.7 per cent.

On the other hand, securities stocks witnessed profit taking, following the rise in the previous sessions.

Bao Viet Securities Corp (BVS) edged down 0.7 per cent, while the largest stocks in the sector -- Sai Gon Securities Inc (SSI) and HCM City Securities Corp (HCM) -- struggled to end flat.

Investors on both local exchanges traded 117 million shares worth VND2 trillion (US$88 million). — VNS