Shares at both bourses gained on the first trading day of 2013, January 2.

On the HCM Stock Exchange, the VN-Index advanced 1.12 percent to reach 418.35 points after gainers outnumbered losers by 209-44.

The VN30, tracking the bourse's top shares, also rose at the same speed, finishing at 490.82 points.

Five of these blue chips hit their ceiling prices on the day, including insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), Military Bank (MBB), financial firm Ocean Group (OGC) and property developers Tn Tao (ITA) and Becamex Infrastructure (IJC).

Four stocks declined and two closed unchanged from the previous session.

Trading in real estate stocks was active following positive views on the sector.

The value of trades in HCM City fetched 817.3 billion VND (19.4 million USD) with 64.3 million shares changing hands.

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index increased over 3.5 percent to 59.11 points. Advancers largely overwhelmed decliners by 226-32.

Liquidity improved with nearly 83.1 million shares traded on a turnover of 609.87 billion VND (29 million USD).

The HNX30, representing Hanoi 's 30 leading shares, enjoyed a 4.34 percent rise to 112.45 points.-VNA