Vietnam Insight

Highlights:

• The US core CPI for December increased by 3.2% YoY, lower than the 3.3% forecast by experts and the 3.3% increase from the previous month. On a MoM basis, core CPI rose by 0.2%, 0.1 percentage points below the forecast.
• Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at noon on January 20 (local time), which is early morning on January 21 (Vietnam time), in Washington DC.
• On HOSE, foreign investors recorded an unusual net selling of VND 3,099 billion during the January 16 session.

Technical view: The VN-Index closed on Friday at 1,249.11 (+18.63 points; +1.51%) with liquidity continuing to decline. Foreign investors recorded a net selling of nearly VND 4,700 billion for the week, mainly from VIC stocks. Notable improvements in gains and liquidity were observed in the construction materials sector. The market's primary trend remains within the 1,220–1,300 range, though the positive sign is the upward improvement of the support channel.

Investment ideas: Short-term trading strategies are more suitable during this period. Investors should wait for the index’s reaction in the 1,200–1,220 zone; if a strong bullish candlestick pattern forms, it could signal new buying opportunities. Sectors to consider include public investment and industrial real estate.