Stocks advanced steadily this morning on the HCM City Stock Exchange, extending the improved run for the fourth day.

The benchmark VN-Index closed up another 0.4 per cent to 430.08 points, on a total value of VND769.2 billion (US$36.6 million), up 30 per cent from yesterday morning's level.

Blue chips gained again, with the VN30 Index tracking the top 30 largest shares by market capitalisation. Liquidity was also up 0.55 per cent to 505.38 points.

Twenty of the 30 shares climbed, of which insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), Becamex Infrastructure Development (IJC) and Tan Tao Investment Industry (ITA) hit the daily limit rise of 5 per cent. Only three codes sank while other seven closed unchanged.

ITA was also the most active code this morning with nearly 8 million shares changing hands, closing at the ceiling price of VND7,400 ($0.35).

Gainers outnumbered losers by 133-75 overall.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, despite decliners edging advanc
ers up 106-95, the HNX-Index still rose 0.25 per cent to finish this morning at 73.11 points.
Trading value improved 53 per cent over yesterday morning, totalling VND403 billion ($19.2 million), as nearly 42 million shares changed hands.

Blue chips on the Ha Noi bourse also advanced, with the HNX30 also up 1.26 per cent to 142.10 points.

Kim Long Securities (KLS) was the most active this morning with nearly 6.3 million shares traded, rising 5.9 per cent to VND10,800 ($0.51).

The afternoon session will resume at 1pm.