During the March 3 session, the market faced heavy selling pressure. By the close, the VN-Index had fallen 32.96 points, or 1.8 percent, to 1,813.14. The VN30-Index dropped nearly 2.6 percent to 1,959.35.

Within the 30 blue-chip VN30 stocks, only six advanced, while the remainder declined sharply. Shares linked to billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong’s Vingroup ecosystem recorded steep losses. VIC hit the floor limit, plunging VND11,700 to VND155,500 per share. Vinhomes (VHM) dropped VND7,000 to VND93,500 per share. Vinpearl (VPL) fell VND4,200 to VND75,900 per share, while Vincom Retail (VRE) lost VND1,450 to VND26,350 per share.

VietJet (VJC), associated with billionaire Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, declined VND4,900 to VND164,100 per share.

Banking stocks also weakened significantly. BIDV (BID) fell VND1,650 to VND43,550 per share. VietinBank (CTG) slipped VND950 to VND35,900 per share. Vietcombank (VCB) dropped VND1,300 to VND61,600 per share. Techcombank (TCB) retreated VND1,050 to VND33,600 per share.

Hoa Phat Group (HPG) shares declined VND800 to VND27,700 per share, while Masan (MSN) lost VND1,400 to VND77,000 per share.

Other notable decliners included FPT, led by Chairman Truong Gia Binh, which fell VND2,600 to VND87,000 per share, and Mobile World Investment (MWG) of Nguyen Duc Tai, down VND1,800 to VND88,200 per share.

The sharp drop in Vingroup-related stocks significantly impacted Pham Nhat Vuong’s wealth. According to Forbes data as of March 3, his net worth decreased by US$2.4 billion, or 8.5 percent, to US$25.4 billion, placing him 95th globally.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao’s wealth declined by US$242 million, or 5.8 percent, to US$4 billion. Tran Dinh Long, Chairman of Hoa Phat Group, saw his net worth fall by US$114 million to US$2.8 billion, ranking 1,471st worldwide.

Ho Hung Anh, Chairman of Techcombank, lost US$152 million, bringing his fortune to US$2.4 billion and placing him 1,763rd globally. Nguyen Dang Quang’s wealth slipped by US$30 million to US$1.1 billion.

In contrast, oil and gas, transportation and fertilizer stocks posted strong gains. Shares of PV Gas (GAS) and Petrolimex (PLX) hit their ceiling prices. Securities stocks also showed positive momentum.

Across the broader market, according to CSI Securities, decliners outnumbered gainers by more than two to one, reflecting dominant selling pressure. Liquidity surged, with trading volume rising 43.2 percent above the 20-session average.

CSI noted that closing at the day’s lowest level and breaking below the support range of 1,823-1,833 points on high liquidity signaled continued negative momentum. The VN-Index may seek a lower support zone around 1,780 points, with risks outweighing opportunities.

Despite the short-term turbulence, many securities firms maintain a positive outlook for 2026, anticipating renewed foreign capital inflows. Domestic consumer, infrastructure and green transition stocks are expected to attract investment interest.

Manh Ha