Despite last month’s sharp downturn in the stock market, the dreaded nightmare scenario has yet to materialize. Investor groups continue to respond in varied ways, each adopting different trading strategies. Looking ahead, what might the market outlook be in April, and which key factors should investors watch most closely? The intensity of net selling by foreign investors Contrary to the typical market cycle, Vietnam’s stock market experienced significant turbulence in March, marked by a prevailing downward trend. By the first trading session of the week on March 30, the VN-Index had dropped 218 points compared to the end of February—a decline of 11.6%—sliding from 1,880 to 1,662 points. At one point, the index even dipped below the 1,600-point mark, hitting a low of 1,586 on March 23. The primary driver of this downturn was the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The U.S.–Israel war effort against Iran sent energy prices soaring, exerting pressure on exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates. Brent crude oil surged more than 50% in March alone, surpassing US$116 per barrel. Analysts widely predict that prices could climb further, potentially reaching US$150 or even US$200 per barrel—well above the record high of US$147 set in 2008. Unlike […]