Foreign Investors Return to Net Buying on HOSE, Focus on VIC, MWG, MSN, FPT

Overview

Foreign investors turned net buyers on HOSE on April 17, 2026, with a net inflow of 106.5 billion VND, concentrated in large-cap stocks VIC, MWG, MSN, and FPT. The VN-Index edged down 2.66 points (-0.15%) to close at 1,817.17, while the HNX-Index rose 3.51 points (+1.37%) to 260. The divergence reflects sector rotation, with real estate under pressure and energy/technology gaining.

Key Facts

• Foreign investors net bought 106.5 billion VND on HOSE on April 17, 2026.
• Top net-bought stocks on HOSE: VIC (314.60 billion VND), MWG (194.89 billion VND), MSN (98.89 billion VND), and FPT (62.79 billion VND).
• On HNX, foreign investors net sold 43 billion VND, led by CEO (32.96 billion VND), KSF (6.55 billion VND), SHS (4.46 billion VND), and IDC (3.78 billion VND).
• VN-Index closed at 1,817.17, down 2.66 points (-0.15%); HNX-Index closed at 260, up 3.51 points (+1.37%).
• HOSE trading volume reached 632 million shares, value 20.4 trillion VND; HNX volume 63 million shares, value 1.1 trillion VND.
• Real estate sector fell 1.3%, with VIC down 0.74%, VHM down 5.17%, VRE down 3.38%.
• Energy sector rose 2.49%, led by BSR (+3.49%), PLX (+2.17%), PVS (+1.04%).

What Happened

On April 17, 2026, the Vietnamese stock market saw mixed performance. The VN-Index opened the afternoon session with strong volatility and turned negative in the last minutes, closing down 2.66 points. The HNX-Index, however, posted a solid gain of 1.37%. Market breadth was positive, with 432 gainers versus 362 decliners on the whole market.

Foreign investors reversed their recent selling trend on HOSE, recording a net buy of 106.5 billion VND. The buying was heavily concentrated in large-cap stocks: VIC (Vingroup) attracted the most foreign capital at 314.60 billion VND, followed by MWG (Mobile World) at 194.89 billion VND, MSN (Masan Group) at 98.89 billion VND, and FPT (FPT Corporation) at 62.79 billion VND. On HNX, foreign investors were net sellers of 43 billion VND, with CEO, KSF, SHS, and IDC seeing the most outflows.

Market Context

The VN-Index’s slight decline came despite foreign buying, as real estate heavyweights dragged the index. VIC, VHM, VPL, and LPB collectively subtracted more than 10.47 points from the VN-Index. VIC closed at 177 on April 15, up 6.95% on that day, but on April 17 it fell 0.74%. The energy sector was the strongest performer, rising 2.49%, while technology and communication services also gained. The divergence between HOSE and HNX suggests rotation into smaller-cap and energy names.

Strategic Significance

The return of foreign buying in large caps, especially VIC, MWG, MSN, and FPT, signals renewed interest from international investors after a period of net selling. VIC’s large net buy (314.6 billion VND) is notable given the stock’s recent volatility and its weight in the VN30. The concentration of foreign flows in these four stocks suggests a preference for liquid, high-quality names. Meanwhile, the net selling on HNX indicates selective foreign positioning, with CEO and KSF facing outflows.

What to Watch

• Foreign flow data in the coming sessions to confirm if the buying trend on HOSE is sustained.
• VIC’s price action and any corporate announcements that may have driven the large foreign interest.
• Performance of the real estate sector, particularly VHM and VRE, which were among the biggest drags on the VN-Index.
• HNX-Index momentum, as it outperformed HOSE; continued strength in energy stocks like BSR and PLX.
• Q1 2026 earnings reports from VIC, MWG, MSN, and FPT, which could influence foreign sentiment.