HIGHLIGHTED NEWS
From the beginning of the year to March 15th, Vietnam's total import and export value reached US$197.13 billion, indicating that trade activity is gradually picking up again after the Tet holiday. However, the trade balance continues to show a deficit, with a shortfall of US$0.53 billion in the first half of March, bringing the total deficit from the beginning of the year to US$3.51 billion. Exports continued their positive growth momentum, reaching US$96.8 billion, up 17.6% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, imports recorded an even faster increase, reaching US$100.3 billion, up 24.6%, mainly due to businesses increasing imports of raw materials for production. Looking specifically at the first half of March, total trade reached US$41.23 billion, a significant increase compared to the previous period, with export and import values reaching US$20.3 billion (+13.2%) and US$20.9 billion (+17.8%) respectively. These figures reflect a clear recovery in the trade picture, although it is still accompanied by short-term trade deficit pressure.
TRADING STRATEGY
The stock market closed slightly higher at 1,713 points with trading volume similar to the previous session. Market differentiation continued. Capital flow continued to gravitate towards mid- and small-cap stocks. Selling pressure increased slightly in leading stocks in the financial, technology, and consumer goods sectors. The VN-Index is likely to fluctuate around 1,705-1,730 points today.
The market continued to experience sideways movement amidst cautious sentiment and low liquidity. Increased capital flow meant the VN-Index lacked leading sectors to create a significant positive shift. Foreign investors resumed strong net selling ahead of the completion of their Q1 2026 portfolio restructuring. Overall, the market remains in a state of waiting for signals of easing tensions from international geopolitics, along with more concrete actions from domestic economic policies following the 16th National Assembly elections. Therefore, the VN-Index is likely to remain in a sideways trading pattern in the short term, nearing the resistance level of 1,730-1,750 points. Investors should continue to hold their positions and may consider increasing their holdings for medium-term strategic portfolios when supporting reversal movements appear, accompanied by confirming signals. Short-term trading should be flexible and adapt to cash flow movements.
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