Foreign Investors Return to Net Buying, VN-Index Rises 1.56%

Overview

Foreign investors returned to strong net buying on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) on August 3, 2026, with net purchases exceeding 1,057 billion VND. The VN-Index rose 1.56% to 1,763.84 points, driven by gains in technology, banking, and steel stocks. FPT Corporation (HOSE: FPT) led foreign inflows with 524.27 billion VND, followed by HPG, VCB, and MBB.

Key Facts

• Foreign net buying on HOSE reached 1,057.26 billion VND on August 3, 2026.
• FPT attracted the largest foreign inflow at 524.27 billion VND, closing at 71,700 VND.
• HPG saw net buying of 283.36 billion VND, closing at 22,550 VND.
• VCB and MBB recorded foreign net purchases of 136.38 billion VND and 89.42 billion VND, respectively.
• VN-Index increased 27.06 points (+1.56%) to 1,763.84 points; HNX-Index rose 2.96% to 279.28 points.
• Trading volume on HOSE reached 652 million shares, worth over 16.4 trillion VND.
• The technology sector gained 6.65%, with FPT up 6.86%, CMG +5.35%, and ELC +4.05%.
• On HNX, foreign investors net sold 18.93 billion VND, mainly in IDC, CEO, SHS, and VC3.

What Happened

According to the market report for August 3, 2026, the VN-Index opened the afternoon session with continued buying pressure, though late-session selling tempered gains. MBB, VCB, FPT, and CTG were the main contributors, adding 8.73 points to the index. In contrast, VIC, MCH, VNM, and VHM had the most negative impact, subtracting 2.97 points.

The technology sector outperformed, rising 6.65% as FPT surged 6.86%. Financials also strengthened, with VCB up 2.53%, CTG +3.25%, and TCB +3.45%. The only declining sector was consumer staples, with MCH down 2.34% and VNM down 0.99%.

Foreign investors reversed their previous selling trend, net buying over 1,057 billion VND on HOSE. The buying was concentrated in FPT, HPG, VCB, and MBB. On HNX, however, foreign investors net sold 18.93 billion VND, with IDC, CEO, SHS, and VC3 seeing the largest outflows.

Market Context

FPT Corporation (HOSE: FPT) closed at 71,700 VND on August 3, up 6.86% on the day. The stock has been a key beneficiary of foreign inflows, with 524.27 billion VND in net buying. HPG (HOSE: HPG) closed at 22,550 VND, VCB (HOSE: VCB) at 60,800 VND, and MBB (HOSE: MBB) at 24,000 VND. The VN-Index’s 1.56% gain reflects broad-based buying, with market breadth showing 533 advancing stocks versus 216 declining. The return of foreign net buying is a positive signal for market sentiment, especially after recent outflows.

Strategic Significance

For long-term investors, the concentration of foreign buying in FPT, HPG, VCB, and MBB highlights a preference for large-cap companies with strong fundamentals and growth prospects. FPT’s leading position in technology and digital transformation makes it a key pick for foreign funds seeking exposure to Vietnam’s tech sector. HPG benefits from steel demand recovery, while VCB and MBB are attractive for their banking sector stability and earnings growth. The sustained foreign interest could support these stocks’ valuations and provide a floor for the broader market.

What to Watch

• Continuation of foreign net buying in the coming sessions, especially in FPT and HPG.
• FPT’s Q3 2026 earnings report, expected in October, to confirm growth momentum.
• Steel price trends and HPG’s production updates, which could affect its stock performance.
• Banking sector credit growth data and any policy changes from the State Bank of Vietnam.
• VN-Index’s ability to hold above 1,760 points and test resistance levels near 1,800.