Market rallies on spike in trading volume

Hanoi (VNA) - The VN-Index on Mar. 24 jumped 10.46 points to close at 270.62, an increase of just over 4 percent, as trading volume again picked up on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.

Volume rose 53 percent over the previous session to nearly 23 million shares, for a
total value of 524.5 billion VND (30.8 million USD). The day witnessed 164 gainers,
many of which hit the ceiling of the regulated trading band, and five losers.

Sacombank (STB) was again the most active code, generating orders for 3.7 million
shares.

Foreign investors were responsible for the trading of 6.1 million shares,
contributing significantly to the day's volume, and were net buyers for the fifth
consecutive day. Net purchase volume was 1.6 million shares, worth 65 billion VND
(3.8 million USD).

Hanoi Securities Co said in a report that, with a weakening dollar and
appreciating gold prices, capital flows have not yet been directed to the stock
market. "But improvements in trading values over the last two weeks show investor
interest is gradually returning to the market."

In Hanoi on Mar. 24, the HASTC-Index also gained 5.97 percent to end the
day at 98.7. Trading volume reached 15.6 million shares for a combined value of
300.4 billion VND (17.7 million USD).

Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) led the northern market with 3.4 million shares traded,
followed closely by Kim Long Securities (KLS) with 3 million. Recent market
darling Bim Son Cement (BCC) also remained active, with 1.4 million shares
changing hands.-Enditem