What stocks will "make waves" by year-end?

The Vietnamese economy has experienced positive growth. According to the Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam's GDP expanded by 7.96% in 2Q2025 compared to the same period the previous year, which was slightly lower than 8.56% in 2Q2022 for the 2020-2025 period. GDP climbed by 7.52% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, marking the highest level of the first half of the year since 2011-2025. As a result, the Vietnamese stock market has steadily grown; at times, the VN-Index has reached 1,380 points, with many opportunities to rise to 1,400 - 1,450 points in the near future. With this momentum, many investors are wondering which stocks will be trending upward in the second half of 2025.

Banking is the focus

The banking industry is regarded as the "backbone" of the Vietnamese economy, with strong credit growth prospects and the potential to benefit from the State Bank's flexible and effective policies. As a result, the banking industry's business performance continues to be relatively favourable, with average earnings for the first two quarters of this year and the full year of 2025 predicted at 16% and 15%, respectively.

Dr. Le Duc Khanh, Director of Analysis at VPS Securities, advised investors to select banks with strong net interest margins (NIM), sustained loan growth, and ties to public investment and real estate projects. Investors can choose equities such as TCB, MBB, STB, BID, and CTG.

Real estate in sight

Vietnamese real estate is regarded as one of the most promising industries, with well-known companies including NLG, KDH, and VHM... The real estate industry, particularly residential real estate and infrastructure, is predicted to improve in the second half of 2025 as a result of increased public investment and market-friendly regulations.

"Enterprises in the public investment sector (construction materials, infrastructure construction) will directly benefit from the Government's increased public investment in infrastructure, such as VCG, CTI, CII, LCG, HHV..." , Mr. Khanh added.

Leverage for technology stocks

Technology stocks provide numerous investment opportunities. Because the Vietnamese technology industry is expanding rapidly with developing fields such as data centres, semiconductors, AI, and 5G. Vietnam, in particular, is encouraging digital transformation and the digital economy, opening up several opportunities for technology enterprises.

According to Khanh, enterprises that provide telecommunications, software, and information technology services, such as FPT, CMG, and ITD, are highly valued.

Opportunities from renewable energy

Green and clean energy have been advocated globally, including in Vietnam. Renewable energy incentives will make solar and wind power projects, as well as energy storage technology, more viable. These regulations will increase investment capital in this business. As a result, investors may consider investing in this sector's equities.

Potential of retail industry

Domestic purchasing power will increase as people's incomes rise, the middle class expands, and initiatives to stimulate spending, such as VAT reductions, are implemented. As a result, businesses in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, modern retail chains (supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies), and jewellery are likely to thrive.

Product diversification and the use of technology in retail management and distribution are particularly important growth drivers for this business. "Investors can consider opportunities from stocks such as MSN, MWG, PET, DGW, PNJ, etc" , Khanh told Reuters.

A boost for medical and pharmaceutical sectors

Vietnam's healthcare business is predicted to expand further in 2025 as the legal system is completed, healthcare quality improves, and demand for specialised pharmaceutical products rises.

Meanwhile, national health insurance programs and more open drug bidding laws help to develop the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, Khanh predicted that investors will look for chances in well-known equities such as DBD, IMP, DHT, and DMC.

Furthermore, there are some priority areas this year with promising industry prospects, such as the insurance sector (BVH, PVI, BMI, etc.) and the seaport sector (GMD, HAH, PHP, VSC).

What notes for investors?

According to the information available, the sectors listed above have promising potential. However, investment always entails dangers. As suggested by Khanh, investors should consider the following points:

First, attention should be given to sectors with acceptable valuations and demonstrable regulatory benefits.

Second, within each sector, each listed company must be thoroughly researched to determine its development potential, business performance, and hazards.

Third, macroeconomic conditions, new policies, and global market developments will all have an impact on each sector. As a result, to make sound investment options, it is critical to closely monitor the business situation of businesses.