Shares rose steadily on Tuesday morning, lifting the VN-Index to 922.42 points, up 2.1 per cent, on the HCM Stock Exchange.

Blue chips continued to be the major supporter behind the strong rally, with 19 of the top 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity rising and only eight declining.

VinGroup (VIC) and its retail arm Vincom Retail (VRE) extended their robust growth -- Vincom Retail hit the daily limit rise of seven per cent while VinGroup increased 2.9 per cent.

The largest listed firm, Vinamilk (VNM), also climbed 3.7 per cent.

Other substantial gainers included Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), up 5.3 per cent; Hau Giang Pharmaceutical (DHG), up 1.9 per cent; Masan Group (MSN), up 2.5 per cent; and Coteccons Construction (CTD), up 1.1 per cent.

Meanwhile overall market breadth was negative as the number of declining stocks outnumbered gaining stocks by 153-105. Some 88 other stocks remained flat.

In contrast, shares on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange continued to slide with the HNX-Index declining 0.15 per cent to 107.95 points.

Liquidity improved with 156.6 million shares worth a combined VND3.7 trillion (US$162.3 million) being traded on the two markets.

Afternoon trade starts at 1pm. – VNS