Shares were back in positive territory in trading on both of the nation's stock exchanges on Sept. 22 as risk appetites grew and speculation rose in low-value shares.

Following two days of declines, share values were low enough relative to earnings prospects to once again attract buyers, said a Hanoi-based analyst who asked to remain anonymous.

New economic data also suggested that the pace of inflation, a leading worry for equity markets, was easing this month – which would possibly lead to looser credit policies from the central bank, he said

On the HCM Stock Exchange on Sept. 22, the VN-Index edged up by 0.38 percent to 449.26 points. The value of trades increased by 11.1 percent over Wednesday's session to 910 billion VND (44 million USD), on volume of 46.9 million shares. Advancers outnumbered decliners by 184-60.

Among the 10 leading shares by capitalisation, insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) and PetroVietnam Finance (PVF) hit their ceiling prices, while five other codes saw gains of 0.4-3.2 percent. Meanwhile, shares of real estate developer Vincom (VIC) and dairy producer Vinamilk (VNM) each retreated by around 1 percent, while food processor Masan Group (MSN) dropped to its floor price.

Infrastructure developer Becamex (IJC), which also soared by 5 percent on Sept. 22 to reach its ceiling price of 11,800 VND, was the most-active share with nearly 2.8 million traded.

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange on Sept. 22, the HNX-Index closed at 75.44 points, an increase of 1.1 percent. The value of trades rose by 4.5 percent to 496.4 billion VND (24 million USD), on a volume of 43 million shares. Kim Long Securities Co (KLS) remained the most-active share nationwide with over 5 million traded.

Foreign investors were net sellers again on both bourses on Sept. 22, unloading a combined 76 billion VND (3.6 million USD) worth of shares./.