Foreign Investors Return to Net Buying on VN-Index; FPT Leads Purchases

Overview

Foreign investors returned to net buying on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) on August 3, 2026, with net purchases exceeding VND 1,000 billion. The VN-Index surged 27 points to 1,762, driven by broad-based gains across sectors. FPT Corporation (FPT) led the foreign buying list, reflecting renewed interest in Vietnam’s technology sector.

Key Facts

• Foreign investors net bought over VND 1,000 billion on August 3, 2026, with matched-order net buying of VND 1,081.9 billion.
• Top foreign net-bought stocks included FPT, HPG, VCB, MBB, FRT, MSN, PNJ, CTG, LPB, and SSI.
• Foreign investors net sold real estate stocks, with top sells including NLG, STB, TCB, VPB, VIC, GEX, VIX, and MCH.
• Individual investors net sold VND 1,529.7 billion via matched orders, with top sells in FPT, HPG, VIC, MBB, FRT, VCB, MSN, SSI, and VHM.
• Proprietary trading desks net bought VND 541.8 billion, focusing on banks and real estate.
• VN-Index closed at 1,762, up 27 points, with 257 gainers versus 76 decliners.
• Trading liquidity on all three exchanges exceeded VND 20,400 billion.

What Happened

The first trading session of August 2026 saw a strong market rally, with the VN-Index climbing 27 points to 1,762. The positive sentiment was fueled by expectations of foreign capital inflows following FTSE Russell’s announcement of the FTSE GEIS constituent list, which prompted funds to begin restructuring and deploying capital. Financial stocks led the advance, with banks such as VCB, CTG, TCB, HDB, and SHB rising over 3%. Securities stocks also gained, with SSI up 4.25% and VIX up over 3%.

Foreign investors turned net buyers, purchasing over VND 1,000 billion, with matched-order net buying of VND 1,081.9 billion. They focused on technology and basic resources, with FPT, HPG, and VCB among the top buys. Conversely, they net sold real estate stocks, including VIC and NLG. Individual investors were net sellers, offloading VND 1,529.7 billion via matched orders, primarily in technology and banking stocks. Proprietary trading desks added VND 541.8 billion in net buying, concentrating on banks and real estate.

Market Context

FPT Corporation (HOSE: FPT) closed at VND 71,700 on August 3, 2026, reflecting a strong performance amid foreign buying. The stock has been a key beneficiary of foreign inflows, given its leading position in Vietnam’s technology sector. The broader market, as measured by the VN-Index, is trading near 1,762, with banking and securities stocks driving gains. The return of foreign net buying marks a shift from recent weeks of net selling, aligning with the FTSE Russell review cycle and expectations of increased foreign participation.

Strategic Significance

For long-term investors, the return of foreign net buying signals renewed confidence in Vietnamese equities, particularly in technology and basic resources. FPT’s position as the top foreign-bought stock underscores its strategic importance in the market, driven by its IT services and digital transformation growth. The FTSE Russell review could lead to increased passive inflows, benefiting large-cap stocks like FPT. However, the divergence between foreign buying and individual selling suggests a potential shift in market leadership, with institutions favoring quality growth names over speculative plays.

What to Watch

• FTSE Russell’s official announcement of the FTSE GEIS constituent list and its impact on foreign flows.
• Q2 2026 earnings reports from FPT and other top foreign-bought stocks, due in the coming weeks.
• Continued foreign net buying in subsequent sessions, particularly in technology and basic resources.
• Any regulatory changes affecting foreign ownership limits or trading mechanisms.
• Movement in the VN-Index above the 1,800 resistance level, which could attract further foreign capital.