National stocks continued to decline during this mornings trading, but the slide was eased following clarification of the latest stock market scandal. It was rumoured yesterday that chairman of the Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV) Tran Bac Ha had been arrested for financial fraud. However, both Ha and the authorities have denied the story.


"Those who created the rumour must have profited by at least VND500-700 billion," Ha said.
On the HCM City Stock Exchange, the VN-Index lost 0.59 per cent to close at 473.92 points. Losers outnumbered gainers by 67-45.


Trading value rose to VND1.15 trillion as investors sold off shares. Trading volume reached over 85 million shares.


On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index slid 0.55 per cent to close the morning session at 63.10 points.


The value and volume of trades fetched VND704.4 billion and 87 million shares.
Trading will resume at 1 pm.