Vietnam Insight

Highlights:

• On February 18, Mr. Trump expressed feeling more confident after the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which included discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
• In an ambitious move, the Vietnamese Government has presented to the National Assembly a proposal to raise the GDP growth target for 2025 to at least 8%, much higher than the previous target of 6.5-7%.
• Shared by the Governor of the SBV, Nguyen Thi Hong, at the Government Conference with localities on economic growth: For 2025, the State Bank of Vietnam aims for a credit growth target of about 16%.

Technical view: The VN-Index closed the week at 1,296.75 (+20.67 points; +1.62%) with liquidity continuing to increase. The index formed a strong bullish candlestick and closed near the highest point of the week. This is the fifth consecutive week of gains for the index. Foreign investors have reduced their net selling compared to the previous week. Thus, the index is approaching the resistance level of 1,300. To break the peak, liquidity needs to remain high, and large-cap stocks must increase more strongly.

Investment ideas: Investors should observe the market's reaction at the 1,300 level. It may be considered to hold and take partial profits in the market-oriented stock group. Sectors to watch include the securities group (with improving market liquidity), public investment, and the banking sector.