Vietnam Insight

US equities remained positive, reflecting a ceasefire outlook and strong Q1 earnings results. US stock futures inched higher on Tuesday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings that may offer insight into how firms are navigating elevated geopolitical risks. Key companies scheduled to report later today include UPS, General Motors, Coca-Cola, Visa, and Starbucks. Market participants also continued to monitor diplomatic developments surrounding the US–Iran conflict after Tehran submitted a new proposal to Washington. The US remains wary of the offer and is expected to respond with counterproposals in the coming days, with Iran’s nuclear ambitions still a central point of contention. In after-hours trading, Bed Bath & Beyond and Lending Club jumped more than 26% and 12%, respectively, following stronger-than-expected first-quarter results. During Monday’s regular session, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose 0.12% and 0.2%, respectively, both reaching fresh record highs, while the Dow slipped 0.13%

Testing the upper bound of the sideways range. The VN-Index closed the trading session at 1,853.29 points (-17.07 points, -0.91%), with trading volume below the 20-session average. There were 135 advancing stocks and 188 decliners. Stocks that contributed positively to the index included TCB, VJC, and GVR, while VHM, VIC, and VCB weighed negatively on the index. Foreign investors recorded a net sell of VND 1,935 billion, mainly concentrated in FPT, VCB, and ACB.

Trading Strategy: Investors may consider increasing equity exposure compared to last week, prioritizing stocks that are still at relatively low levels and have strong Q1 earnings growth prospects. Focus areas include banks with high credit growth room and positive narratives, undervalued real estate, and steel.