The news that decreases in inflation have been recorded in Viet Nam's two biggest cities this month has improved investor optimism, helping to keep both stock indices in the green this morning.

The CPI (consumer price index) of both Ha Noi and HCM City declined in March, down 0.21 per cent and 0.29 per cent against the previous month respectively.

On the HCM City Stock Exchange today, the VN-Index gained another 0.85 per cent to close the morning's session at 491.17 points.

Trading value improved compared to yesterday morning, and reached more than VND725.4 billion (US$34.5 million), with nearly 33 million shares changing hands.

Blue chips led the market rise, and the VN30 tracking the top 30 shares on the bourse increased 1.32 per cent to 558.42 points.

Telecommunications equipment maker SACOM Development and Investment (SAM) is currently leading the market trades with 2.3 million shares exchanged at VND7,800 each, up 2.63 per cent from yesterday's close.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index increased by a modest 0.03 per cent to 61.56 points on a turnover of VND148.8 billion ($7.1 million).

Property developer Sacomreal (SCR) was the most active code on the northern bourse this morning on trades of 3.2 million shares, rising 1.2 per cent to VND8,700 a share.

Afternoon trading will resume at 1pm.