This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you have anything to share, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Foreign vs domestic securities firms’ capital growth
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that foreign-owned securities firms are falling behind domestic rivals in capital raising as Vietnam’s brokerage industry expands.
TCBS has increased charter capital to VND33.29 trillion (US$1.28 billion), while SSI has reached VND30.03 trillion (US$1.16 billion).
By comparison, Mirae Asset Vietnam has remained at VND6.59 trillion (US$253 million) since 2021, while several other foreign firms have recorded limited increases. View source→
*This article frames this data in a way that suggests foreign securities firms might be missing out; however, I’d suggest it speaks to foreign firms’ perceptions of the local market and the risk therein.
Transport firms opting for old roads over new expressways
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnamese transport companies say high tolls and the risk of fines are discouraging trucks and container vehicles from using Vietnamese expressways despite faster travel times.
As a result, many transport firms are opting for longer journey times on the old roads instead.View source→
*In the context of the current bid to drive economic growth through a major build-out of infrastructure, this might be seen as an augur of things to come. That is, whereas in the short term new builds might create jobs and growth, over the long term the productiviity gains needed to justify these projects may not be realised.
Iran attack VN LPG tanker?
The BBC is reporting that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said it has attacked the Vietnamese liquefied petroleum gas carrier NV Sunshine in the Strait of Hormuz.
The group said the strike caused a major fire in the vessel’s engine and propulsion systems; however, the ship’s owner, Nhat Viet Transport, has denied the claim, saying the vessel, crew and cargo were safe and the ship was operating normally. View source→
*Of note, this ship was among a small number of vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in May, despite the blockade. A Vietnamese trade delegation also reportedly arrived in Tehran last week.
Petrol motorcycle sales rise
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnamese consumers bought 686,661 motorcycles from Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers members in the third quarter, up 10.4 percent year-on-year.
Sales increased 7.5 percent from the second quarter, continuing year-on-year growth recorded in each quarter of 2026. View source→
South Korean arrivals to Vietnam fall 5 percent
VnExpress is reporting that South Korean arrivals to Vietnam fell about 5 percent year-on-year to three million in the first nine months of 2026, despite overall foreign arrivals rising 15 percent.
Industry representatives attributed the decline to a weaker won, fewer flights and stronger competition from Japan and China, where Korean visitor numbers increased. View source→
Japan plans November summit with Vietnam
Mainichi is reporting that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering meeting Vietnamese President To Lam in Tokyo on November 9.
The leaders are expected to discuss energy security, including Japanese financing to help Asian countries build strategic oil reserves amid Middle East supply disruptions.
Talks are also expected to cover rare-earth supply chains and regional security, the article says. View source→
Average deposit interest rates
Vietnamnet is reporting that the average deposit rate for new transactions reached 6.38 percent on September 20, up 1.15 percentage points from the end of 2025.
State Bank of Vietnam Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha said the pace of rate increases was slowing, with rates stabilising around a new level. View source→
VinFast US electric bus launch plans
Technode is reporting that VinFast plans to enter the US electric bus market through a partnership with NexMove Certified.
US-homologated VinFast buses are expected to begin deliveries to customers in the first quarter of 2028. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 7.30am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,110 and the sell rate was VND 26,160, a change of 70, and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,135 (up 0.17 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,629, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,881.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 506 or 1.97 percent.
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,735.09, down 3.88 points or 0.22 percent, with a total trading value of VND 27,542.82 billion or US$1045.27 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$369.45 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Friday’s news roundup
In today’s news: Japan credit agency upgrades VN, Police investigate social media posts about Novaland, Property developers turn to bonds as bank lending slows, car loan interest rates climb to 18 percent, VinFast manufacturing subsidiary renamed, Government says US trade negotiations nearly complete, Hong Kong textile manufacturer opens Vietnam factory, US trade rep comments Vietnam industrial overcapacity, break-up of EVN electricity functions floated, Cambodia authorities deny transfer activists to Vietnam, World Bank upgrades forecast, Exchange rates, Stock market Thursday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. View source→