Investors back to sitting on fence

August 13, 2012 | 18:00

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Market sentiment became cautious Monday with liquidity tumbling on both bourses.

The total matching value was VND534.7 billion ($25.8 million), among them Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange’s value was VND333 billion ($16.1 million).

Put-through transaction stayed modest. Some 29.8 million shares worth VND450.8 billion ($21.8 million) changed hands on the HoSE, while 31.3 million shares worth VND308.4 billion ($14.9 million) were traded on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX).

Transactions focused on just a few speculative stocks. Tay Bac Minerals Investment (KTB) outperformed the HoSE with 2.1 million shares matched, dropping 4.3 per cent. Sacombank Securities (SBS) suddenly gained 2.38 per cent with more than 1 million shares matched, despite news that the firm was prosecuted for stock price manipulation last week.

Military Bank (MBB) also advanced 2.14 per cent with more than 1 million shares matched, while others stocks all having matching volume of below than 1 million units.

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), Habubank (HBB) outperformed the market with 3.5 million shares matched. Leading stocks like VNDirect Securities (VND), Kim Long Securities (KLS), PetroVietnam Construction (PVX) had just 1-2 million shares matched.

Falling momentum broadened on the market today. Nearly half the southern bourse or 143 stocks ended off, while just 72 advancing. The HNX saw 127 decliners outrunning 69 gainers.

The HNX-Index lost its resistance level of 70 points, falling to 69.96 points today. The benchmark was down 0.38 points or 0.54 per cent against previous session.

Securities company shares modestly shed 1-2 per cent. Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) and Saigon-Hanoi Bank (SHB) both ended flat. Meanwhile, some speculative pennies like Orient Securities (ORS) and Hoa Binh Mineral (KHB) sharply sunk on selling pressure.

The VN-Index, however, was supported by a number of blue-chips, ending up 0.61 points or 0.14 per cent to 426.17 points.

Key pillar stocks Vinamilk (VNM) jumped 1.92 per cent, Vincom Group (VIC) gained 0.63 per cent, while some blue-chips like PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services (PVD), FPT Corp. (FPT) also slightly up. Eximbank (EIB) advanced 2.08 per cent.