Vietnam's stock market on track to hit $100 billion by end of 2016

The VN Index has climbed 19 percent since the end of last year, the most among the major benchmark indexes in the Asia.

Companies listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, one of the main bourses, were valued at $62.2 billion at the end of trading on Friday, an increase of $10.8 billion since the end of 2015, according to market data.

“Market capitalization has reached about VND1,687 trillion ($75.5 billion), an increase of 24 percent from the end of last year and equal to 40 percent of gross domestic product. These figures represent good signs for the stock market,” said Deputy Finance Minister Vu Thi Mai on Friday.

Statistics show the HNX index, the smaller bourse in Hanoi, has jumped 7 percent in the past 12 months spurred by a surge in individual investors and the government’s latest privatization push.

Vietnam is in the process of merging its two major stock exchanges in the belief that the single bourse will boost the growth of its capital market, said Mai.

The newly launched VNX Allshare has a total of 451 listed companies, including 237 from the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and 214 from the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX).

A derivatives market will also be introduced next year, she added.

According to the State Securities Commission (SSC), Vietnam has outperformed other Southeast Asian markets to become the fastest growing in the region with a projected market capitalization of more than $100 billion in 2016, or 55 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Data shows that the 10 richest people on the stock market are holding $3.7 billion. Just last year, it took 500 rich guys on the stock market to hold that much wealth.

Stocks are beating gold and real estate in terms of returns, broker Phan Dung Khanh told Thanh Nien newspaper.

But most locals are sitting out. Only about 2 percent of Vietnamese people were investing in stocks as of the end of September, according to the Vietnam Securities Depository.

VnExpress

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.