Shares this morning opened the new trading weak with a bleak session. On the HCM City Stock Exchange, the VN-Index lost over 2 per cent to reach 484.15 points.

The numbers of losers and gainers were nearly even, while most of the listed stocks closed unchanged.

Trading value hit VND526.48 billion (US$25 million) as 30.7 million shares changed hands.

Eximbank (EIB) was the sole share among the 30 leading stocks tracked by the VN30 to gain value, adding 0.7 per cent.

The VN30 also tumbled by more than 2 per cent to 546.28 points.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index finished at 59.22 points, 1.8 per cent off compared to last Friday's close, on a turnover of just VND169.7 billion ($8 million).

Losers overwhelmed gainers by 139-29.

The HNX30, representing the northern exchange's 30 largest shares in terms of capitalisation and liquidity, dropped 2.13 per cent to 111.44 points.

Afternoon trading will begin at 1 pm.