MOIT VIETNAM | SE Asia Stocks-Vietnam jumps on hopes of economy activity reviving; Philippines falls
/ News
SE Asia Stocks-Vietnam jumps on hopes of economy activity reviving; Philippines falls
A woman wears a protective face mask as she walks past a poster warning about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Hanoi, Vietnam April 15, 2020. Photo: Reuters
Vietnamese stocks jumped 2% on Friday on news that the Southeast Asian country was on course to revive its economy much sooner than most others, while Philippines was weighed down by telecom companies.
Hanoi claimed it was successful in containing the virus as it reported a relatively small 288 cases and zero deaths.
It is now positioning itself as a safe place to do business, with local firms expecting a surge in foreign investment.
Vietnamese shares closed up 2.2%, their highest level since March 11.
The index gained 5.8% for the week, their best week since April 10.
Industrial companies Saigon Machinery Spare Parts and Ben Thanh Trading & Service jumped about 7% each and led gains in the benchmark.
Philippine equities pared early gains to finish 0.6% lower, after rising 0.3% in the previous session.
Brokerage SB Equities pointed to profit taking in the region as investors looked ahead to first-quarter earnings and the government's quarantine plans post May 15.
Pressuring the index, the country's largest mobile network operator Globe Telecom fell 2.4% and telecommunications provider PLDT Inc dropped 1.6%.
Singapore shares reversed early gains to end nearly flat after index heavyweights, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp and Singapore Airlines, reported dismal results.
The city-state's second-largest lender posted its lowest quarterly profit in seven years, while the airlines forecast an annual net loss for the first time ever.
Their shares ended flat after a volatile trading session.
Indonesian shares closed nearly 0.3% lower as the COVID-19 pandemic showed no signs of abating in the country.
"Jakarta is concerned about the total economic hit that Indonesia will suffer from the outbreak," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.
"It lacks enough technicians and equipment to increase testing and the Finance Minister this week said all of the gains of the past decade could be wiped out."
Source: Tuoi Tre News
-
/ News
The First Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange
In an unprecedented tripartite defense engagement, the opening ceremony of Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange was held today,...
-
/ News / Activities
Laos Encourages Agricultural Commodity Production with New Credit Policies
Vientiane, Laos – In a significant move to increase agricultural commodity production, the Lao government has unveiled a series of credit policies ...
-
/ News / Activities
Tri-Border Landmark: A Testament to Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Solidarity And Trust
In the remote northern reaches of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a landmark not only marks the convergence of three nations but also symbolizes the e...