Foreign Investors Return to Net Buying: VN-Index Gains 3.62%

Overview

Foreign investors returned to net buying with over VND 1 trillion (approx. USD 40 million) across both exchanges in the week of 24-28/08/2026, supporting the VN-Index’s recovery to 1,832.12 points (+3.62%). SeABank (SSB) led financials with a 6.88% weekly gain, while Vingroup (VIC) surged 15.12%.

Key Facts

• Foreign net buying exceeded VND 1,000 billion (approx. USD 40 million) on both exchanges; HOSE saw over VND 951 billion, HNX nearly VND 87 billion.
• VN-Index closed at 1,832.12 points on 28/08/2026, up 3.62% for the week (adding 64 points).
• HNX-Index rose 0.75% on the day to 284.77 points, up 0.25% for the week.
• SSB, STB, and VPB were the biggest positive contributors to VN-Index on the final trading day, adding 2.32 points combined.
• VHM and TCB were the largest drags, subtracting 2.36 points.
• SSB gained 6.88% for the week, closing at VND 17,100 on 28/08/2026.
• VIC rose 15.12% during the week, testing its June 2026 peak of VND 225,000-242,000.

What Happened

According to the weekly market report for 24-28/08/2026, the Vietnamese stock market extended its recovery, with the VN-Index reclaiming the 1,800-point threshold. Large-cap stocks led the advance, though volatility increased toward the end of the week. The return of foreign net buying was highlighted as a key positive, improving investor sentiment and providing additional momentum.

On the final trading day, SSB, STB, and VPB had the most positive impact on the VN-Index, contributing 2.32 points. Conversely, VHM and TCB exerted the most downward pressure, taking away 2.36 points. Sector-wise, information technology led with a 1.3% gain, driven mainly by FPT (+1.39%). Financial stocks saw selective buying, with SHB (+2.52%), VPB (+1.46%), STB (+2.72%), VCI (+1.11%), MSB (+1.91%), LPB (+1.11%), and SSB (+6.88%) attracting demand. In industrials, GEX (+1.15%), THD (+3.09%), ACV (+0.48%), and PHP (+1.08%) were notable gainers. Meanwhile, several stocks faced significant corrections, including TCB (-2.05%), VIX (-1.05%), HCM (-1.7%), PVI (-1.05%), VSC (-1.34%), VJC (-1.19%), and PC1 (-1.66%).

Market Context

SeABank (SSB) trades on HOSE and closed at VND 17,100 on 28/08/2026, up 6.88% for the week, making it one of the strongest performers in the financial sector. The broader market’s recovery, supported by foreign net buying, has been led by large-cap stocks. SSB’s gain aligns with the positive sentiment in the banking sector, though the sector itself showed mixed performance. The VN-Index’s 3.62% weekly rise reflects improving investor confidence, but the market remains selective, with capital concentrated in specific names rather than broad-based sector rotation.

Strategic Significance

The return of foreign net buying is a significant signal for Vietnamese equities, as it often indicates renewed international interest in the market’s growth prospects. For SSB, the strong weekly performance suggests improving investor confidence in the bank’s fundamentals and growth trajectory. The broader trend of foreign inflows, if sustained, could provide a tailwind for large-cap and liquid stocks, particularly in the banking and financial sector. However, the market’s selective nature underscores the importance of stock-specific catalysts and earnings delivery.

What to Watch

• Weekly foreign net buying figures for the coming weeks to confirm the sustainability of the trend.
• SSB’s next earnings release and any updates on its business performance or strategic initiatives.
• VN-Index’s ability to hold above the 1,800-point level and test new highs.
• Any regulatory or policy announcements from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) that could affect banking sector sentiment.
• The performance of VIC and other large caps, as they have a significant impact on index movements.