Stocks plunged and both stock exchanges lost value Monday's morning. Half of all codes posted losses. Market volumes and values were modest.


On the HCM City Stock Exchange, the VN-Index retreated 1.22 per cent to close today at 425.09 points. The value of the day's trades totalled just VND352 billion (US$17 million) on a volume of 21 million shares.
Losers outnumbered gainers by 130-77, with numerous blue chips declining. Property developer Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG) and financial conglomerate Masan Group (MSN) dropped by about 5 per cent, while PetroVietnam Finance (PVF) lost 3.5 per cent. Vinamilk and real estate developer Vincom (VIC) slumped by 1 per cent.
Sacombank (STB), the most active stock on the HCM City bourse, saw 2.36 million shares change hands. Share price rose 2.3 per cent to close at VND13,600 ($0.66).
On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index lost 1.24 per cent to close today at 71.94, with decliners outnumbering advancers by 179-68.
Trade value hit a record low of VND187 billion ($9 million), with just 17.4 million shares changing hands.
Kim Long Securities (KLS) was the most heavily traded stock, with 2.3 million shares exchanged. However, its share value declined 2.8 per cent to close at VND10,400 ($0.50).