Stocks jump, led by financial services

The VN-Index opened higher on Tuesday and traded in positive territory throughout the session, closing up 0.8% at 1,347.2 supported by news that the US has called on countries to submit trade proposals this week.

*Today, the VN-Index hit resistance at 1,350 and has gone sideways.*

Market liquidity increased, with total trading value rising 22.8% compared to Monday to VND22.86tn (USD879.0mn). The HNX Index followed a similar pattern, posting a gain of 1.2% to close at 228.9.

Most sectors gained today, led by Financial Services (2.7%), Retail (1.7%) and Travel & Leisure (1.6%). In contrast, sectors such as Oil & Gas (-0.3%) and Automobiles & Parts (-0.3%) declined.

Top performers today included TCB (2.4%), VCB (1.1%), HPG (1.8%) and VHM (0.8%). Top laggards included HAG (-4.8%), NVL (-2.4%) and BSR (- 1.1%).

Securities stocks, including VND (6.7%), HCM (4.9%), VCI (2.5%) and SSI (3.4%), performed well as the market's P/E remains attractive given the strong earnings growth projected for 2025.

VEF (6.9%) approved a resolution to pay cash dividends to shareholders. Specifically, it will distribute dividends from undistributed post-tax profit accumulated until December 31, 2024, at a rate of 135% of charter capital. In addition, it plans an advance cash dividend from FY25 post-tax profit at a rate of 300% of charter capital. The total estimated payout for these two dividend plans is over VND7.25tn (USD279mn). Accordingly, the parent company VIC (0.1%), which holds 83.32% of VEF, could receive over VND6tn (USD231mn) in dividends.

HPG (1.8%) signed a contract to supply 1,000 container shells to VIMC Lines, a subsidiary of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC). Under the agreement, HPG will manufacture and deliver 1,000 containers, including 500 20-foot DC containers and 500 40-foot HC containers.

Foreign investors net bought today with VND913bn (USD35.1mn), with foreigners mainly buying APG (VND413.2bn, USD15.9mn), VND (VND208.6bn, USD8mn) and SHB (VND158.8bn, USD6.1mn), while selling momentum focused on FPT (VND104.2bn, USD4mn), VRE (VND83bn, USD3.2mn) and STB (VND64.9bn, USD2.5mn).

Today, the VN-Index hit resistance at 1,350 and has gone sideways. Leading sectors such as banking, securities, real estate, and steel, but the price range is not large. Meanwhile, the market has recorded a rise in livestock stocks, such as DBC,.. with the expectation that these businesses will benefit from the product quality crisis of a major competitor in the market.