Gains of blue chips helped sustain a market rise on the HCM City Stock Exchange this morning with the VN-Index climbing another 1.54 per cent to 450.19 points.

Leading shares, including insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), food processor Masan Group (MSN), property developer Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG) all rose from 1-5.6 per cent.

The VN30 tracking the top 30 shares was also up 1.54 per cent to stand at 529.94 points.

The trading was sluggish, however, totalling only 28.4 million shares, worth almost VND367.5 billion (US$17.6 million).

Tan Tao Industry Investment (ITA) continued to lead the market with 1.5 million shares changing hands, at a value of VND6,500.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index also gained 1.07 per cent to finish this morning's session at 60.21 points.

Neary 30.8 million shares, worth VND203.5 billion ($9.7 million), were traded by the end of this morning.

Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB) and property developer Sacomreal (SCR) were the most active codes on the northern boures as each saw around 4.6 million shares traded. While SCR jumped over 7 per cent at VND7,600 a share, SHB rose 1.56 per cent to VND6,500 each.

Trading will resume at 1pm