Shares rallied during this morning's session, with the VN-Index on the HCM City Stock Exchange adding 1.55 per cent to hit 487.92 points.

The VN30, composed of the southern exchange's 30 leading shares, also gained 0.96 per cent to reach 552.50 points. Over 20 of the blue chips it tracks rebounded, while only commercial baker Kinh Do (KDC) retreated.

Overall, the number of advancers doubled that of decliners.

Trading value slightly improved to VND522.8 billion (US$24.8 million) and fetched 28.4 million shares.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index closed at 61.64 points, a 0.9 per cent increase over yesterday. Gainers outnumbered losers by 111-51.

Trading was, however, sluggish with over 18.9 million shares changing hands and market value totalling VND152.56 billion ($7.2 million).

The HNX30, which represents the exchange's top shares, put on 1.3 per cent to reach 119.01 points.

Trading will resume at 1 pm.