The stock market maintained its positive momentum for most of the trading day. In the morning, the benchmark index fluctuated slightly around the 1,820-point mark. Closer to the lunch break, the market became more active, nearing 1,830 points.

In the early afternoon, the stock market largely traded sideways, hovering around this range. Entering the ATC (at-the-close) session, the index sharply declined, approaching the key psychological level of 1,800 points. However, immediately after closing orders were processed, the market improved.

The VN-Index closed above 1,829 points, 14 points higher than yesterday. This marked the most positive trading session in nearly two weeks.

On the HoSE floor, 213 stocks gained, nearly double the number of declining stocks. After several sessions of strong divergence, market consensus improved. ten stocks hit their ceiling limit, mostly with low liquidity, except for NVL and VCG.

The banking sector emerged as the leader in both capital flow and performance. Among the top 10 stocks contributing the most to the market's gains, six representatives were from this industry. BID stood out, adding over 3 points to the VN-Index. Shares of BIDV increased by 3,9% today to 53,900 VND per unit, with liquidity reaching nearly 733 billion VND. Additionally, TCB, VCB, MBB, CTG, and VPB played a significant role in the index's upward movement today.

Conversely, some blue-chip stocks weakened. VHM of Vinhomes was the most negative influence on the stock market, despite only falling 0,9%. GVR, FPT, and HPG also acted as a drag on the VN-Index.

A positive development in today's session was that liquidity moved in the same direction as the index. The total transaction value on the HoSE floor reached over 29,000 billion VND, an increase of over 3,600 billion VND.

Market sentiment also received a boost as foreign investors returned to net buy approximately 689 billion VND, following three consecutive sessions of net selling. Foreign investors primarily disbursed funds into HPG (over 385 billion VND), MSN (nearly 277 billion VND), BID (over 180 billion VND), and MBB (nearly 123 billion VND). However, they still net sold over 323 billion VND in VIC and over one hundred billion VND in ACB and MWG.

Investors monitor electronic boards at a securities company headquarters in TP HCM. Photo: An Khuong

At the end of january, the VN-Index accumulated over 44,5 points, equivalent to nearly 2,5%. This result aligned with the predictions of many securities companies, as historical data indicates that the first month of the year often sees improved performance. Market trading liquidity was also more active than in the year-end period, despite some sessions recording a significant decrease in liquidity.

According to financial analyst Huynh Hoang Phuong, the beginning of the year saw many factors supporting investor sentiment in terms of information and expectations. Stories related to the state's macroeconomic direction, state economic resolutions, the atmosphere of the Party Congress, along with positive expectations for businesses' Q4/2025 earnings, contributed to improving market prospects and activating dormant capital to seek opportunities.

From a technical perspective, the overall market and many large-cap stocks had undergone a relatively long accumulation phase extending into early 2026. A more stable price level and narrowed trading range over an extended period often create favorable conditions for new capital and returning capital to participate when compelling narratives emerge.

"The renewed activity in early-year trading does not stem from an entirely new wave of capital, but primarily from activated waiting capital, combined with a better liquidity foundation, improved macroeconomic and corporate expectations, and favorable technical conditions for the market", Mr. Phuong assessed.

Tat Dat