Stocks managed to post gains on the HCM City Stock Exchange by the end of this morning despite the fact that they began the day at a low value.

The benchmark VN-Index rose 0.14 per cent to 394.24 points but the trading value decreased nearly 23 per cent from yesterday morning's level, reaching more than VND300 billion (US$14.3 million).

Advancers outnumbered decliners by 121-56, with 50 codes hitting ceiling prices.
Money continued to pour in for several blue chips, lifting the VN30 (which tracks the top 30 shares on the bourse) up 0.26 per cent to 461.29 points.

PetroVietnam Finance (PVF) jumped another 2.6 per cent while insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH) went up 1.3 per cent; Phu My Fertiliser (DPM) rose 1.9 per cent; and Saigon Securities Inc (SSI) climbed 1.8 per cent.

Tan Tao Investment Industry (ITA) was the most active this morning with almost 5 million shares changing hands. The stock hit its ceiling price of VND4,200 a share.
Meanwhile,the HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange fell 0.11 per cent to 55.37 points, but its value decreased by only VND119 billion ($5.7 million).

PetroVietnam Construction (PVX) continued to be the most active code on Ha Noi's exchange with 1.88 million shares changing hands. The shares are currently traded at VND4,700 a share.

Trading will resume at 1pm.