Bank stocks drag down VN-Index

Shares declined on the two national stock exchanges on December 21, dragged by bank stocks, as investor sentiment remained unstable on the market outlook.
Bank stocks drag down VN-Index ảnh 1Investors at Tan Viet Securities Inc in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Shares declinedon the two national stock exchanges on December 21, dragged by bank stocks, asinvestor sentiment remained unstable on the market outlook.

On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Indexdropped 0.78 percent to close trade at 946.06 points. Meanwhile, the HNX-Indexon the Hanoi Stock Exchange edged down 0.33 percent to end at 113.57 points.

Both stock indices decreased on the previousday.

Energy and bank stocks, which were themarket drivers in the previous session, slumped on December 21.

Six of 10 listed banks on the two stockexchanges lost value and only two advanced. The Big Three (three biggest banksby market value) – Vietcombank (VCB), Vietinbank (CTG) and BIDV (BID) – alldecreased by over 1 percent.

Among oil and gas stocks, only PV Gas (GAS)maintained a tiny gain of 0.3 percent while other companies such asPetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services (PVD) and PetroVietnam Drilling Mud(PVC) both declined 3.8 percent.

Large caps were on the downtrend side with17 of the top 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity on the HCM StockExchange slipping and only nine advancing.

“Overall, distinct stories could not createa strong bullish sentiment. We believe it is rather difficult for the market tosee a strong uptrend until early 2018,” Quang Vo, a stock analyst at Viet DragonSecurities Co wrote in a note.

On the positive side, Vinamilk (VNM)increased 0.94 percent; insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) was up 1.2 percent; andsteelmaker Hoa Phat Group (HPG) increased 0.2 percent.

HPG rose for a seventh straight day in arow with total growth of 11 percent, being traded at over 44,000 VND (1.93 USD).It also topped the foreign net buys for a second day with over five millionshares in the past two days.

According to Quang Vo, HPG’s attractioncomes from its expected outstanding Q4 business results due to the increasingsteel prices. Besides, the new coated-steel plant coming into operation fromearly 2018, along with the Mandarin Garden apartment being handed over in Q4this year, is also a plus.

Trading value improved on December 21, worth acombined 7.1 trillion VND (312.5 million USD) in the two markets, up 9.2 percentover the previous session, but total trading volume decreased 2 percent to 284million shares. - VNA
VNA

See more

A Vinh Long official introduces signature local products to Korean guests. (Photo: VNA)

Vinh Long courts Korean investment in key sectors

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Truc Son vowed to accompany investors and provide them with optimal conditions, while building a transparent and stable business environment to secure long-term engagement from foreign enterprises, particularly those from Daejeon.

Delegates at the launching ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Digital platform on overseas market development launched

With Vietnam’s network of 64 trade offices overseas, Deputy PM Son noted that connecting them through a modern digital platform could help establish a unified national trade information system that operates efficiently, transparently and with strong forecasting capacity.

The Government’s issuance of Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP revising preferential import tariffs on several petrol products and raw materials is a timely move to diversify supply sources. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel import tariff cuts strengthen Vietnam’s energy resilience: experts

Economic expert Dinh Trong Thinh said revising fuel import tariffs helps diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on traditional markets, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s ability to cope with potential global supply shocks. Ensuring access to multiple energy sources is also vital for safeguarding national energy security, he added.

Leaders of Dak Lak province inspect IUU fishing prevention and control efforts at Phu Lac fishing port, Hoa Hiep ward. (Photo: daklak.gov.vn)

Dak Lak readies for EC mission on anti-IUU fishing efforts

Dak Lak province is completing preparations for an upcoming European Commission (EC) inspection on efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to having the fisheries “yellow card” removed.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Argentina promote trade, investment cooperation

On relations with South America, Nguyet noted that in December 2025, Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) announced the launch of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). She expressed her hope that the agreement will be signed soon, thereby further boosting trade and investment between Vietnam and MERCOSUR member states, including Argentina.

Customers buy petrol at a Petrolimex petrol station in Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders stronger measures to ensure stable petrol supply

The MoIT was instructed to direct key petrol producers and traders to proactively develop supply plans to guarantee adequate fuel provision for distribution systems, maintain regular sale operations, and sell products at listed prices. It must also closely monitor developments in global and domestic petrol markets and adopt appropriate management measures when necessary.

Farmers in Ca Mau province use combine harvesters to harvest rice. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders coordinated measures to stabilise rice production and markets

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with instructing local authorities to closely monitor production developments, improve forecasting capacity, strengthen pest control measures, and proactively respond to adverse weather conditions to protect crops, maintain planned yields and output, and reduce production costs.

A worker refuels a vehicle at a petrol station in Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel prices slashed as stabilisation fund used

According to a joint decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, the price of RON95-III petrol – the most widely used grade – fell by 3,880 VND to 25,240 VND (0.95 USD) per litre.

Customers purchase petrol at Station No. 03 (Petrolimex Hung Yen) on Quang Trung Street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Hung Yen takes measures to curb speculation, stabilise fuel market

Petrolimex Hung Yen maintains regular reserves of about 5,500 cubic metres at directly managed outlets and roughly 2,000 cubic metres at franchised stations. The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has ordered closer monitoring of supply and demand and retail prices to detect shortages or unjustified price hikes.

The automobile assembly line of the Honda Phuc Yen factory in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

Honda Vietnam sees decline in motorcycle, car sales

Sales of both motorcycles and automobiles by Honda Vietnam declined in February, dropping 19.6% and 41.8% year-on-year, respectively, according to the company’s latest business results released on March 11.

Team 2 of the Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department inspects operations of a Petrolimex petrol station on Tran Quang Khai street (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi maintains stable supply of petrol, LPG

The Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department said petrol and LPG trading activities across the city remain stable, with supply largely meeting demand despite volatility in global energy prices.

A Qatar Airways aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Qatar Airways cancels 13 more flights amid Middle East conflicts

Statistics show that airspace across the Middle East has yet to return to normal operations, with multiple FIRs still imposing restrictions or partial closures. As a result, international flight operations through the region continue to face disruptions and route adjustments.