Vietnam Insight

Stable developments in global markets. U.S. stock futures were little changed on Friday, following Wall Street's modest gains and thin trading on Wednesday during a holiday-shortened session. Dow futures edged up 0.02%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures were little changed. In regular trading on Wednesday, US stocks advanced for a fifth straight session, with the S&P 500 rising 0.4% and the Dow gaining 0.7%, both at record highs, while the Nasdaq 100 climbed 0.3%. Investors are keeping their focus on current economic data to guide their earnings outlook for the upcoming year, following the GDP growth that exceeded expectations, the highest in two years. Meanwhile, initial jobless claims fell, raising hopes of a shift in interest rate decisions. Tech giant underperformed amid lingering concerns of exaggerated AI capital expenditure, with Intel falling0.5%, after reports that Nvidia halted a test that would use Intel equipment for advanced chips.

Existing correction risks. The VNINDEX closed at 1,742.85 (-39.97 points, -2.24%) with lower-than-average trading volume over the past 20 sessions. The market saw 238 declining stocks and 87 rising stocks. Stocks hindering the market's upward movement included VIC, VHM, and TCB; while MCH, VJC, and GAS contributed the most to the index's rise. Foreign investors net bought VND 614 billion, primarily focusing on VHM (VND 125 billion) and STB (VND 117 billion).

Trading Strategy: Investors are watching stocks that have held their value well during the correction of the VIC group. If the market shows signs of rebounding near the 1,600 level, it could present an opportunity to initiate new purchases; however, caution is still advised as liquidity and market sentiment remain weak.