The VN-Index treaded water today before closing at 459.32 on the HCM City Stock Exchange.
The bourse's volume decreased by 22 per cent to more than 23.7 million shares worth just VND638.5 billion (US$32.7 million).
Decliners narrowly outnumbered advancers by 99-84.
Select blue chip rose slightly, including Vietinbank (CTG), 0.53 per cent; Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAG), 0.64 per cent; Hoa Phat Group (HPG), 0.75 per cent; Phu My Fertiliser (DPM), 1.5 per cent; and Masan Group (MSN) rose 0.92 per cent.
Eximbank (EIB) and property developer Vincom (VIC) remained unchanged.
Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) and FPT Corporation (FPT) declined, while Sacombank (STB) rallied late to be the most actively traded stock on the southern bourse with more than one million shares changing hands.
On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index declined by 0.35 per cent to close at 121.26.
The bourse's market volume also dropped by a substantial 58 per cent over Friday's figures to 18.46 million shares worth nearly VND434.9 billion ($22.3 million).
Losers largely outnumbered gainers by 189-80.
Of the 10 largest capitalised shares, only PetroVietnam Technical Services (PVS) and Sai Gon - Quy Nhon Mining (SQC) rallied.
PetroVietnam Construction (PVX) continued to be the most active share nationwide with 2.25 million shares changing hands. PVX dropped by 0.89 per cent to close at an average of VND22,200 ($1.14) per share.