This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media 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’re operating a business or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Vinhomes bond issues Q2
VnExpress is reporting that Vinhomes and related companies issued more than VND57 trillion (US$2.16 billion) of bonds in the second quarter of 2026, accounting for nearly 53 percent of all property-sector issuance, citing a report from ACB Securities.
Vinhomes alone raised about VND36 trillion (US$1.37 billion), including a VND15 trillion (US$569 million) two-year bond carrying an initial interest rate of 12 percent annually, the article notes. View source→
Ghost Month market performance
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s VN-Index fell 3.57 percent across the first two trading sessions of the seventh lunar month, or “Ghost Month”.
The index, however, has gained during Ghost Month for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025, challenging traditional concerns that the period is unfavourable for investment, the article says. View source→
Lazada fined misleading information
Znews is reporting that Vietnam’s National Competition Commission has fined Lazada’s local operator Recess VND350 million (US$13,300) for providing inaccurate information about its services.
The regulator ordered Recess to correct the violations and review information provided to consumers to ensure it is accurate, complete and compliant with consumer protection laws, without providing specific details of the offending information. View source→
Real estate investment
Outlook Business is carrying analysis that suggests Vietnam is emerging as a stronger destination for Asian real estate investment.
The article highlights Vinhomes’ large Can Gio and Ha Long projects as examples of developers betting that new transport infrastructure will support integrated urban centres rather than standalone housing developments. View source→
VN Nike production
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam was Nike’s largest manufacturing base in fiscal year 2026, producing 52 percent of the company’s footwear and 34 percent of its apparel. View source→
Sex ratio policy
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam aims to reduce its sex ratio at birth to about 106 boys per 100 girls by 2035, after it peaked at 114.8 in 2018. View source→
Diesel delivery from India
Baird Maritime is reporting that Vietnam has received its first direct diesel shipment from India’s Reliance Industries, in line with moves to broaden supply sources on the back of the US-Iran conflict disrupting traditional Middle East sources.
About 70,000 tonnes of diesel were shipped to Petrolimex’s Van Phong terminal in Khanh Hoa province. View source→
Data exchange foreign firm requirements
The Investor is reporting that foreign companies seeking to trade on Vietnam’s new data exchange will be required to maintain a commercial presence, branch or representative office in the country under new regulations taking effect September 25.
Decree 314 also requires data offered on the exchange to have a verifiable legal origin, meet technical and security standards, and disclose information about its quality, accuracy and limitations. View source→
Livestock farmers squeezed
AVI News is reporting that Vietnam’s livestock farmers are being squeezed by rising meat imports, high feed costs and weak consumer demand, pushing domestic hog and poultry prices to their lowest levels this year.
The article argues cheap imported meat is worsening domestic oversupply, leaving some poultry farmers selling below production costs and reducing margins for hog producers. View source→
AmCham business outlook survey
The Investor is reporting that US and international companies have become more cautious about Vietnam’s near-term business outlook after first-half performance fell short of unusually high expectations, according to an AmCham Vietnam survey.
Despite the slowdown, most companies maintained staffing and continued investing, while a majority reported higher revenue than a year earlier and nearly one-third increased employment. View source→
Stock market Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,727.46, down 1.62 points or 0.09 percent, with a total trading value of VND 13,886.74 billion or US$527.01 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$22.92 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
On August 18, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,900, and the sell rate was VND 25,950, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,925 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Post to launch mobile network, Opening stock trading accounts online, Grab H1 revenue VN, Trump admin transhipment report, Taiwan AD investigation VN steel, Public asset privatisation, Citi growth forecast upgrade, Stock market upgrade already priced in, VN biggest buyer US cotton, Regenerative coffee investment, Stock market Friday, Exchange rates Friday, Friday’s news, and more. Read the full article →