Grab agrees to compensate drivers following threats of industrial action, highlighting the growing significance of independent worker organisation in Vietnam. Meanwhile, technology company VNG considers a US$300 million American stock market listing, petrol prices fall nearly 10 percent, high-risk lenders report mounting bad debts, and California Fitness customers are encouraged to pursue legal action over prepaid memberships.

Democrats take control of the US Congress, potentially complicating Trump's trade agenda and changing the outlook for Vietnam's tariff negotiations. Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam prepares a US$1.85 billion liquidity injection, Hanoi caps underground metro costs at US$120 million per kilometre, minimum wages rise 7.8 percent, and troubled lender SCB imposes tighter transfer limits.