As we approach the end of the of the first quarter, it is encouraging to see many positive signs around the world.  Within Vietnam, economic conditions continue to be very favourable, and the stock market’s performance is reflecting this optimism and strength of the economy. In today’s insight from VinaCapital’s Chief Economist Michael Kokalari, we share why the Vietnam Index is leading the way within ASEAN.

In today’s insight from Michael Kokalari, we are reporting about the strength of Vietnam’s economy in January, particularly as it relates to exports. The continued demand for “Stay at Home” goods from the US and Europe is driving this export growth and looks to continue well into 2021. It is also interesting to note how exports from Vietnam have evolved over the last 10 years, from garments to “value added” and technology goods, so the quality of the exports has also improved.

If you are following the Vietnam stock market closely, you have seen an increased level of market volatility in recent weeks. The positive momentum from year end carried into the first weeks of January. These gains have been erased over the past two weeks, however VinaCapital’s longer term outlook for the market and the economy remains very positive. We are sharing insights to help you understand the cause of the volatility and our rationale for believing this is buying opportunity.

GoStream, a fast-growing Vietnamese startup that provides multi-platform livestream broadcasting for social sellers, marketers, and content creators, announced that VinaCapital Ventures has invested a seven-digit figure in the company to help it expand its business.

The trajectory for the world in 2021 now seems clear, with economic growth in every country – including Vietnam – likely to roar back as the year progresses. In this note, Michael Kokalari, VinaCapital’s Chief Economist, focuses on the Vietnam-specific factors that are likely to drive investment returns in Vietnam this year.