The VN-Index retreated from the 600 points landmark on March 5, losing 0.58 percent to close the session at 596.91 points, as selling pressure increased.

Blue chips were the main drag as 20 of the top 30 shares by market value and liquidity on the Hochiminh Stock Exchange lost value, pushing the VN30 down 0.71 percent to end at 625.25 points.

The market condition was negative with losers outnumbering gainers by 114-92, while the other 99 codes remained flat.

According to analysts at FPT Securities Co, many investors decided to sell shares to lock in profits after the market surpassed the 600-points threshold for the first time in three and a half months.

Liquidity continued to rise. Market volume grew 10 percent over the previous day to reach more than 134 million shares, while the value of trades climbed 20 percent to 2.46 trillion VND (115 million USD).

FLC Group (FLC) reclaimed the most active position with 10.8 million shares traded on March 5, rising 1 percent to finish at 11,300 VND (0.53 USD).

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index also declined by 0.05 percent to close at 86.81, despite a positive morning session.

The market breadth was rather neutral with 105 stocks rising, 92 falling and 166 unchanged.

Trading was positive with total volume up 10 percent to reach nearly 55 million shares, while the market value increased 20 percent to 768 billion VND (60 million USD).

Sai Gon Thuong Tin Real Estate Co (SCR) was the leading share in terms of trading volume, with 5.2 million shares exchanged. The shares added 1.2 percent to end at 8,200 VND each.

Foreign buys declined on the two markets but they still concluded the session as net buyers here, picking up combined shares worth 52.17 billion VND (2.4 million USD).-VNA