Addressing the event, Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang stated 2026 carries special significance as it marks the start of a new economic development cycle and a new era of national development toward prosperity and strength.

“The opening of the first trading session of 2026 is not merely a ceremonial event, but a clear message of the Vietnamese stock market’s determination to accompany the country in this new development phase, with the goal of fast and sustainable economic growth,” Thang said.

He called on market participants and regulators to build on achievements in 2025, address existing shortcomings and effectively implement objectives set for 2026 and the 2026–2030 period. The Ministry of Finance, he added, would continue to provide policy support and create favourable conditions for the sector’s development.

Vu Thi Chan Phuong, head of the State Securities Commission (SSC), said 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s securities market since its establishment in 1996.

She stressed that the regulator’s priority is not only to maintain growth momentum, but to ensure the market operates in a safe, transparent and stable manner, with strong resilience and adaptability as Vietnam integrates more deeply into global financial markets.

“The SSC is committed to fully implementing the directions of the Ministry of Finance and deploying comprehensive, strategic solutions to enhance the quality, depth and sustainability of Vietnam’s stock market in 2026 and beyond,” Phuong said.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam’s stock market remained stable and liquid in 2025 despite global and domestic challenges. The benchmark VN-Index repeatedly hit record highs, rising nearly 38% by early December compared with the end of the previous year.

Average daily trading value exceeded VND29 trillion (US$1.2 billion) per session, up more than 40% year on year, while total market capitalisation increased by 35%. The number of investor accounts surpassed 11.6 million, exceeding targets set under the national stock market development strategy to 2030.

The rollout of the new KRX information technology system and Vietnam’s upgrade from frontier market to secondary emerging market status by FTSE Russell were key milestones that supported market confidence and growth in 2025.

These developments have laid an important foundation for Vietnam’s stock market to enter a new stage of development, contributing more effectively to economic growth and financial stability, said the ministry.

Top 5 wealthiest Vietnamese women in stock market

VOV.VN - Businesswomen Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Pham Thu Huong, Pham Thuy Hang, Vu Thi Hien, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy are currently the five wealthiest women listed on Vietnam’s stock market.