The VN-Index dropped 0.48 per cent over yesterday to close at 444.16 today on the HCM City Stock Exchange.

The bourse's volume improved slightly with just over 26.1 million shares worth VND606.4 billion (US$31.1 million) changing hands.

The number of decliners was more than three times higher than advancers.

Ocean Group (OGC) became the most active stock on the bourse with 1.11 million shares exchanged - the only share with trading volume in excess of one million. OGC rose 0.83 per cent to close at VND24,200 ($1.24).

Most blue chips tumbled and of the 10 largest capitalised shares, only industrial conglomerate Hoa Phat Group (HPG) and property developer Vincom Co (VIC) made gains, rising 0.51 and 0.74 per cent, respectively.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index also dropped by 0.8 per cent to close at 109.11.

Market volume continued to increase by 22.6 per cent to nearly 26.6 million shares worth VND481.3 ($24.7 million) compared to yesterday.

Losers was still largely outnumbered gainers by 212-58.

PetroVietnam Construction (PVX) was again the most heavily-traded share nationwide with 1.82 million shares exchanged. PVX fell 0.47 per cent over yesterday's value to close at VND20,800 ($1.07).