Shares managed to rally on the HCM City Stock Exchange this morning, with the benchmark VN-Index adding 0.23 per cent to 394.33 points.

Losers, however, overwhelmed gainers by 96-79.

Market value improved to VND339.5 billion (US$16 million) from 22.7 million shares, of which around 44 per cent were trading shares tracked by the VN30.

The VN30 rose 0.06 per cent to 463.90 points as six of the 30 leading stocks retreated, with Kinh Do Confectionery Co (KDC) hitting its floor price. Meanwhile, 11 codes advanced and 13 others remained unchanged from yesterday's session.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index failed to post gains, reaching 60.08 points – another 0.4 per cent off with decliners doubling advancers.

Trading remained sluggish as only 15.3 million shares worth VND123.6 billion ($5.8 million) changed hands.

Despite the overall trend, blue chips helped the HNX30 edge up 0.12 per cent to 112.25 points.

The two exchanges will resume trading at 1pm.