This is a brief run down of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state approved media.
3.30pm update | 9.30am update
Soaring property prices concerning policymakers
Vietnamese lawmakers have voiced concern that soaring property prices are destabilising society, at a group discussion on the sidelines of the current National Assembly, Vn Express is reporting → view source.
It quotes Nguyen Lam Thanh, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Ethnic Council, as saying housing costs have risen so sharply that even public officials with stable incomes can no longer afford homes.
It also says that Le Huu Tri from Khanh Hoa warned that the market shows signs of a “bubble,” while Le Hoang Anh of the Economic and Financial Committee proposed expanding taxes on land asset gains.
Lawmakers also flagged mismanagement in the gold market, saying tighter regulation is needed to protect household wealth and market stability, the article says.
Stricter controls wanted on land auction participation
Experts and real estate officials are calling for stricter controls to curb speculation and price manipulation in Vietnam’s land auctions, Tuoi Tre is reporting → view source.
The Ministry of Justice has proposed banning individuals or organisations who win land auctions but later forfeit their deposits from participating again for two to five years, the publication says. Deposit requirements could also rise to between 20 and 50 percent of the starting price.
It also quotes:
- Nguyen Quoc Khanh from the Vietnam Association of Realtors as saying financial checks and data verification should be added;
- Nguyen Quang Tuyen of Hanoi Law University as being in favour of higher deposits; and
- Le Hoang Chau, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, as supporting tighter rules but that penalties must include additional financial fines, with current costs too small to discourage speculative behaviour.
Waste to energy waiting on regulatory clarity
Dutch firm Harvest Waste and Biwase confirmed financing is ready to invest in waste-to-energy if Vietnam finalises transparent PPP frameworks and electricity purchase contracts, Sietse Agema from the firm has told a forum in Ho Chi Minh City, Dan Tri is reporting → view source.
At the same conference, the publication says, Phung Chi Sy from the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment said legal overlaps and outdated tariffs hinder investors.
Stock market manipulation prosecution
The State Securities Commission has fined Nguyen Cong Hung, Chairman of SCI JSC (S99), VND 175 million or US$7,000 and suspended his trading for four months for unreported share purchases, Dan Tri is reporting → view source.
On 13 June 2024, Hung bought one million S99 shares without prior disclosure as required by law.
SCI Joint Stock Company (ticker: S99) is a Vietnamese enterprise primarily engaged in hydropower construction and energy infrastructure development
Novaland bond repayment delayed again
Novaland has delayed repayment of nearly VND 94.6 billion or US$3.64 million in bond principal for its NVLH2123003 issue, citing insufficient cash flow, CafeF is reporting → view source.
The property developer was due to settle VND 95.6 billion or US$3.68 million on 20 October but paid just over VND 1 billion or US$0.04 million, and is now negotiating with investors for a new payment plan.
Hanoi real estate market downturn
Hanoi’s land-attached real estate market saw more than 620 new units launched in Q3 2025, down 40 percent from Q2 and 80 percent year-on-year, according to real estate firm CBRE, CafeF is reporting → view source.
Most new projects were in outer districts such as Van Giang, with limited large-scale launches due to legal and cost barriers.
The average primary price dropped to about VND 186 million per square metre or US$7,150, 19 percent lower than the previous quarter. Secondary prices rose to VND 198 million or US$7,615, up 4 percent, the publication says.
Real estate problems in supply not pricing
One Housing’s Business Development Director Tran Quang Trung has told a conference that instead of capping luxury prices, policymakers should boost supply in lower segments to stabilise the market, CafeF is reporting → view source.
High-end and luxury projects dominate, yet maintain a 90 percent absorption rate, pushing Hanoi’s average apartment price to VND 85.6 million per square metre or US$3,292, up from VND 50 million or US$1,923 in 2022, the publication notes.
Trucking company records bumper Q3
Vietnam’s truck distributor VIMID JSC (VVS) reported strong Q3 2025 results, with cumulative revenue up 103 percent year-on-year to VND 5.44 trillion or US$209 million and pre-tax profit up 174 percent to VND 213 billion or US$8.19 million, CafeF is reporting → view source.
VIMID, the authorised distributor of Sinotruk in Vietnam, credited the growth to a surge in transport and construction demand driven by public investment projects across 34 provinces.
Seafood firm hit by Trump tariffs
Seafood exporter, Sao Ta Food’s (which goes by Fimex (FMC)) selling expenses have doubled to VND 316 billion or US$12.2 million after nearly VND 193 billion or US$7.4 million in reciprocal tax was imposed following the US’s 20 percent levy on Vietnamese goods effective August 7, Nguoi Quan Sat is reporting → view source.
Fimex also paid VND 98 billion or US$3.8 million in anti-dumping and VND 60 billion or US$2.3 million in anti-subsidy taxes.
Vietnam-Cambodia dry port opened
Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has approved the opening of the Tan Cang–Moc Bai dry port in Tay Ninh province, marking the completion of its first phase, Kien Thuc Dau Tu is reporting → view source.
The project, developed by Tan Cang–Tay Ninh JSC under Saigon Newport Corporation, covers 16.5 hectares with total investment exceeding VND 550 billion or about US$21.2 million.
Netherlands’ firm floats agribusiness project in Tay Ninh
Dutch agribusiness giant Royal De Heus plans to invest around VND 10 trillion or US$384.6 million in a chain of high-tech agricultural projects in Tay Ninh with local partner Hung Nhon Group, Kien Thuc Dau Tu is reporting → view source.
The 2025–2030 plan includes 12 projects covering feed production, seed development, livestock farming, processing and export, aiming to generate about US$2 billion in value by 2030.
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9.30am Update
Debtor auctions
Vietnamnet is reporting that Eximbank has announced it is auctioning the debts of seven borrowers worth nearly VND 232.82 billion.
Among them, Thang Long Jewelry Company Limited owes over VND 18.37 billion, including VND 5 billion in principal and VND 13.37 billion in interest, secured by land in Van Dinh commune, Hanoi.
Other large debts include Saigon Oil Production JSC (VND 84.95 billion) and Hoang Lan International Construction and Trade Investment JSC (VND 71.57 billion) → view source.
Record levels of margin lending
Outstanding margin loans at Vietnamese securities companies hit a record VND 380 trillion (US$14.6 billion) in Q3 2025, up VND 80 trillion from the previous quarter.
CafeF says that Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDCC) is saying this is the highest it has ever been.
It says this reflects market optimism but also signals higher risk amid volatility.
It quotes Nguyen Hong Khanh of VPS Securities as warning that if the index declines sharply, forced selling could accelerate → view source.
Yesterday’s stock market fall
Vietnam’s stock market plunged nearly 95 points, about 5.47 percent, on 20 October 2025, with the VN-Index closing at 1,636.43, marking one of its steepest single-day losses this year.
There has been broad speculation as to why and what that might mean including:
Vietnamnet notes the sell-off follows on from news from the Government Inspectorate about bond-issuance violations at several banks and property firms, which triggered panic selling. Major stocks such as Vingroup, Vinhomes, Masan, SSI, and Hoa Phat all hit floor prices.
It says analysts have linked the decline to higher interbank interest rates, strong profit-taking, and margin-call pressure.
It quotes Luu Chi Khang, Director of CSI Securities’ Research Centre, as saying the market faces margin risks but is unlikely to collapse like in 2022 due to stronger GDP growth, public investment, and an upgraded market status → view source.
Dan Tri says brokerages are urging investors to reduce leverage but not panic-sell.
It says, SSI Securities believes the index has returned to the 1,610–1,690 accumulation zone, warning that a fall below 1,610 could signal a short-term downtrend toward 1,560–1,570.
Moreover, TPBank and ACBS Securities both view 1,610 as a critical support level, while Yuanta Vietnam forecast the index could retest 1,600 before stabilising within a few sessions.
Overall, analysts advised focusing on risk control and maintaining safe margin ratios rather than selling amid short-term volatility, according to the local news outlet → view source.
Nguoi Quan Sat says analysts viewed the drop as a healthy correction after a prolonged rally.
It quotes Nguyen Trong Dinh Tam of ASEAN Securities as saying such declines often occur within strong uptrends and can create opportunities.
He advises investors not to panic sell, suggesting those with high-cost holdings trim slightly and wait for rebounds.
Investors with high cash ratios could gradually buy into sectors like banking, real estate, and securities, while avoiding firms facing bond-related risks, the publication says → view source.
Nguoi Quan Sat in another article on the same topic, quotes Dragon Capital as saying a market decline of 5 to 10 percent is entirely normal and not a cause for concern.
It says Dragon Capital is advising investors to avoid emotional selling, maintain a long-term perspective, and focus on quality stocks rather than short-term volatility → view source.
Tuoi Tre also has Bui Nguyen Khoa, Head of Macro and Market Strategy at BIDV Securities, said the drop was a necessary correction following a long rally, with support levels seen near 1,600 and 1,550 points.
Duc Vu of Vietcap Securities attributed the decline to technical weakness and investor caution over bond market developments.
Nguyen The Minh, Director of Yuanta Vietnam Securities’ Analysis Department, emphasised that market fundamentals remain stable and the plunge was mainly sentiment-driven → view source.
Learn more about what’s been driving this years market rally→
Proprietary trading in yesterday’s stock market fall
Nguoi Quan Sat notes during yesterday’s stock market fall proprietary trading desks of securities firms emerged as aggressive buyers.
They spent about VND 1 trillion or US$38.5 million, their largest single-session net purchase in months.
These in-house traders concentrated on blue chips such as Hoa Phat Group, Vingroup, and Gemadept, with respective net buys of VND 166 billion, VND 102 billion, and VND 90 billion→view source.
Learn more about what to expect from Vietnam’s stock market in October→
Q3 reporting season
CafeF is covering the Q3 2025 financial results of several listed firms.
These include:
- HAGL Group (HAG) reported net profit of VND 460 billion (US$17.7 million), up sharply year-on-year, supported by higher banana exports and pork sales.
- VNDirect Securities (VND) posted pre-tax profit of VND 820 billion (US$31.5 million), boosted by brokerage and margin lending income as trading surged in Q3.
- Vosco (VOS) earned VND 227 billion (US$8.7 million) in profit, maintaining solid performance from freight operations.
- Other firms, including Licogi 14, Pha Lai Thermal Power, and Petrovietnam Drilling, also announced strong quarterly gains, reflecting broad growth in transport, energy, and financial sectors → view source.
Nguoi Quan Sat has a similar story.
It adds to the above with:
- SSI Securities recorded profit growth of over 90 percent year-on-year, driven by higher brokerage and margin lending income.
- F88’s revenue rose sharply from expanded consumer lending and pawn operations, while VCBS achieved record quarterly earnings supported by bond trading and advisory fees→view source.
Real estate
Nguoi Quan Sat is reporting that Nam Long Group (NLG) is accelerating several key projects, with profits forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 40 percent between 2025 and 2027.
This feels more like a press release than news→view source.
Banking & finance
Nguoi Quan Sat is reporting that Sacombank’s share price hit the floor on 20 October after Dragon Capital divested from the bank.
It notes that funds under Dragon Capital, including Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited, Norges Bank, Amersham Industries Limited, and SCB Vietnam Alpha Fund, all exited their positions.
Sacombank now lists only two major shareholders: Pyn Elite Fund with 5.64 percent of charter capital and chairman Duong Cong Minh with 3.32 percent, the publication says → view source.
Learn more about Vietnam’s banking & finance industry→
Domestic gold prices
Vietnamnet is reporting on domestic gold prices in Vietnam which rose slightly on October 20.
It notes that analysts said domestic prices were following global trends but remained supported by strong demand and tight supply, indicating stable sentiment in Vietnam’s gold market → view source.
Learn more about the challenges facing Vietnam’s gold market→