Want stable, long‑term growth in ASEAN’s fastest‑expanding market? Vietnam’s blue chips—large‑cap leaders trading on HOSE—offer exactly that. With two decades advising FDI under Law on Securities 2006 (amended 2023), I’ve seen these stocks become pillars of resilience, governance, and value for global investors.

For global investors and M&A teams, knowing which companies are considered “blue chip” in Vietnam is crucial. These are not just local giants; they are strategic assets that can be a foundation for any emerging market portfolio. Blue chip companies are also contributing to Vietnam’s economic growth and market stability.

Vietnamese Stocks

Vietnam’s equity market—now boasting a market capitalization of over $200 billion on HOSE per 2025 annual report—is a magnet for global capital. As FDI into listed firms rose 15% YoY, blue chips (large‑caps in the VN30 Index) became the bedrock of portfolios seeking consistent ROEs above 15% and daily liquidity exceeding 1 million shares.

The VN‑Index and VN30 Index (top 30 by market‑cap on HOSE) serve as barometers of market vitality. As of July 2025, VN30 YTD returns stand at 10.3%, outpacing VNMidCap and VNSmallCap by 4 percentage points—proof that large‑caps are the stability anchors amid capital rotations and FOL‑driven flows.

Key Points

• Defining Blue Chips: No official label exists, but consensus criteria include: market cap ≥ 10 trillion VND (≈ $400 m), 5+ years of profit, ROE > 15%, and average daily turnover > 500,000 shares. Most are joint‑stock companies and comprise the VN30 Index under Articles 12–13, Securities Law 2006.
• VN30 Sector Weights: Banking/Finance 32.5%, Real Estate/Construction 22.8%, Consumer Goods 16.4%, per 2025 HOSE Factsheet. Major players: VCB, BID, CTG in finance; VHM, VIC in real estate; MSN, VNM in consumer—each subject to FOL caps (30% in banking, 50% elsewhere) under Decree 60/2015 (amended 2024).
• Performance Metrics: Blue chips average ROE ≈ 18% vs. 14% for ASEAN peers. Dividend yields range 2–4% (lower than regional peers) as earnings are reinvested. Data per BLOOMBERG July 2025—highlighting trade‑off between yield and growth investment.
• Investor Access: Foreign ownership limits (FOLs) are a key consideration. Banking 30% cap; real estate 50% cap; industrial 100% in most parks. Some charters set tighter limits. Once a counter hits its FOL, only foreign‐to‐foreign trades occur, often at premiums—impacting liquidity and index inclusion dynamics. Regulated under Circular 12/2024/TT‑BTC.
• Strategic Use‑Cases: Blue chips serve as JV benchmarks, M&A platforms, or partial stake acquisitions—enabling foreign players to gain market footholds. Their governance and disclosure (IFRS‐aligned) make them ideal for cross‐border deals under Decree 155/2020/ND‑CP on M&A transactions.

What makes a company “Blue Chip” in Vietnam?

There is no official government list but Vietnam's FIs and brokers have a clear consensus on these hallmarks for blue chips:

1. Market Cap ≥ 10 trillion VND (≈ $400 m).
2. 5+ years of consecutive profitability (P&L).
3. ROE ≥ 15%, demonstrating capital efficiency.
4. Average Daily Turnover ≥ 500K shares, ensuring liquidity.
5. Regular Dividend Payouts (min. 2% yield) or a clear reinvestment policy.

Characteristics of Blue Chips in Emerging Markets

• Capital and Liquidity Benchmarks: A key benchmark for a blue-chip company is a Market Cap ≥ 10 trillion VND (approx. $400 million USD) per HOSE classification. These companies also have a Revenue Growth ≥ 5% YoY for at least 3 years and a high liquidity, often with an Average Daily Turnover ≥ 500K shares and a Free Float ≥ 25%, providing ample market support and tight bid-ask spreads per Circular 12/2024/TT-BTC.
• Stability and Governance: Blue chips are known for their ability to weather economic cycles, which is underpinned by a strong track record of financial stability and governance. These companies typically have a Profitability Track Record of at least five years of positive EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) and an ROE (Return on Equity) ≥ 15% annually. Strong governance is also a hallmark, with Corporate Governance Scores ≥ 70 (on a 100-point MSCI ESG scale) and Board Independence ≥ 30% of non-executive directors, as per Listing Rules, Section B.4. Consistent profitability, high ROE, and robust governance are the hallmarks of their resilience.
• Index Presence: The de facto list of blue chips is the VN30 Index which comprises the 30 largest and most liquid stocks on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE). These companies account for 70-80% of the market’s total daily trading value. Several blue chips are also investment JSCs, reflecting their influence on the market index and investor sentiment.

Vietnam-Specific Criteria and Investor Signals

• Government-Linked vs. Private-Sector: The blue-chip landscape includes a mix of powerful state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that have undergone equitization and dynamic private-sector corporations. Many blue chips are structured as a group joint stock company which is a common form for large publicly traded companies. Understanding the ownership structure is key to predicting governance style and strategic direction.
• Free Float and Foreign Ownership Caps: Foreign ownership limits (FOLs) are a key factor. While Vietnam has liberalized the rules, certain strategic sectors like banking (30% cap) and real estate (50% cap) have restrictions. Companies can also set their own lower FOLs in their charters, a practice the Ministry of Finance has recently sought to reform to enhance market attractiveness. When a stock hits its FOL, it can only be traded between foreign investors, often at a premium.

In terms of governance, a clear mission guides blue chip companies’ long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with both shareholder interests and broader societal values.

Top Blue Chip Companies on the VN30 Index in 2025

VN30’s Leading Lights:

Here are the top five VN30 stocks by market cap as of July 2025 (HOSE data):

1. Vingroup (VIC): 250 trillion VND cap; real estate, retail, EVs.
2. Vietcombank (VCB): 200 trillion VND cap; premier state bank.
3. Vinhomes (VHM): 180 trillion VND cap; residential development.
4. FPT Corp. (FPT): 120 trillion VND cap; IT & telecom.
5. Vinamilk (VNM): 110 trillion VND cap; dairy & consumer staples.

Sector Breakdown and Market Influence

An analysis from early 2025 shows the dominant sectors in the VN30, which are the core of Vietnam's economy:

• Banking and Finance (32.5%): This is the largest and most influential group, featuring Vietcombank (VCB), BIDV (BID), and VietinBank (CTG). Their performance is a direct reflection of Vietnam's macroeconomic health, with strong credit growth and improving net interest margins.
• Real Estate & Construction (22.8%): Led by Vingroup (VIC) and Vincom Retail (VHM), this sector is the backbone of Vietnam's rapid urbanization and infrastructure development.
• Consumer Goods & Retail (16.4%): Companies like Masan Group (MSN) and Vinamilk (VNM) are tapping into the country’s growing middle class and increasing disposable income.
• IT & Telecom (8.7%): Led by FPT, this sector is a significant and growing contributor.
• Materials & Industrials (7.3%): Key players include Vietnam Rubber Group (GVR) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG).
• Utilities & Energy (4.3%): Major contributors in this segment are Power Generation Corporation 3 (PC1) and PV Gas (GAS).
• Others (8%): This category includes all other sectors within the VN30.

Leaders in Governance, ESG and International Partnerships

More and more Vietnamese blue chips are aligning with global standards. Companies are seeking and achieving MSCI ESG ratings to attract foreign institutional capital. For example, VinFast has been recognized for its high ESG rating among electric vehicle makers.

Strategic international partnerships are also a hallmark of leading companies. FPT Corporation, a technology leader, is known for its global collaborations and strong focus on digital transformation to stay ahead in technology trends. The banking sector and FPT are also investing in cutting edge technology to drive innovation. Vingroup’s push into the global electric vehicle market with VinFast is another example of this outward-looking strategy.

VN Blue Chips in 2025

Vietnam’s stock market is expected to have a breakout year with some analysts predicting the VN-Index to reach 1,400-1,450 by year-end driven by stable economic fundamentals and 18-20% corporate earnings growth.

Stock Performance, Volatility and Yield

As of early July 2025, the VN30 index has gained 10.26% YTD. In the first half of the year, blue chips were the main driver of the market with some blue chips’ stock prices moving significantly. During a recent market upswing, blue chips rose strongly and overall sentiment improved. However, some stocks like BVH of Bao Viet Holdings and GVR of Vietnam Rubber Group declined, a sector correction.

Some stocks remained flat, stable during the market moves. Compared to the previous session, trading volume increased with 15 million shares traded, equivalent to 300 billion VND. Foreign investors have sold for 7 consecutive sessions, a sign of outflows. Historically, the large-cap VN30 has lower volatility than VNMidcap and VNSmallcap indices, a measure of stability during market fluctuations.

Recent data from late June 2025 showed mid-cap stocks leading the gains, a sign that the market is broadening out beyond just the top blue chips. VNMIDCAP Index rose 1.10% while VN30 edged up 0.11%, a trend that suggests capital is rotating into other segments. This is information available at The Shiv. In this environment, investors can find opportunities, including short term opportunities for traders to buy at technical support levels. A photo of an investor looking at stock prices on a smartphone at a brokerage is a snapshot of the modern digital trading world.

Dividend Policies and Investor Rewards

Blue chips in Vietnam generally pay dividends. But a unique feature is that foreign investors sometimes prefer companies to retain earnings to reinvest in growth, as Vietnam is a high-growth market. For corporate investors, dividends are tax free. The process to repatriate dividends is straightforward: the company must be profitable, have audited financials submitted and notify tax authorities.

M&A, FDI and Strategic Moves

Blue chip space is hot for M&A. Foreign partners are looking to enter Vietnam’s financial, tech and manufacturing sectors. Recent deals like JB Financial Group’s acquisition of stake in fintech platform Infina and KKR’s investment in Medical Saigon Group are examples of the active M&A landscape.

Listed Companies and Group Structure

Vietnam’s listed companies are grouped into different categories based on market capitalisation, providing investors with a framework to evaluate stability and growth potential. At the top of this structure are the large cap stocks, companies with market capitalisation above VND 10 trillion. These blue chip stocks are well known for their leadership in key industries, strong financials and proven track record of growth and profitability over time.

Notable examples of blue chip companies in Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, Vietcombank and Vinhomes. These industry leaders are not only pillars of the Vietnamese economy but also well respected by domestic and foreign investors. Their consistent performance and market influence make them highly sought after for investment portfolios.

The Vietnamese stock market has two main exchanges: Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and Hà Nội Stock Exchange (HNX).

The VN-Index and HNX-Index are the main indices for these exchanges respectively. In recent sessions, foreign investors have been net buyers, a sign of positive outlook and growing confidence in the market. This trend combined with the development of large cap stocks and increasing participation of global investors is a testament to the strength and resilience of Vietnam’s listed companies and the overall stock market.

How Global Investors Use Vietnam’s Blue Chips

For international funds and corporations, Vietnamese blue chips are more than just stocks. They are strategic tools to enter and navigate the market.

• Equity Portfolio Diversification: Vietnamese blue chips are a way to get exposure to one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Their low correlation with major global indices can be a valuable hedge in an ASEAN portfolio. The country’s growth prospects and stable market is a compelling alternative to more mature markets.
• Strategic Partnership Benchmarks: Looking to enter Vietnam via a joint venture? Blue chips are your benchmark. They have established operations, regulatory compliance and often experience with international partners make them ideal for JVs in infrastructure, tech and retail. Blue chip companies play a significant role in supporting foreign trade and Vietnam’s international economic integration. Evaluating their governance and corporate culture is a due diligence step.
• Cross-Border Exit and Liquidity Planning: For funds, a clear exit path is key. Investing in highly liquid blue chips on HOSE ensures capital can be repatriated efficiently. Understanding the regulations around capital gains and dividend repatriation is crucial to maximise returns.

How to Choose the Right Blue Chip for Your Strategy

Ready to unlock growth potential? Choosing the right blue chip goes beyond the obvious metrics. Here’s how I advise my clients to build a risk-proof strategy.

• Metrics Beyond the Obvious: Go beyond market cap and revenue. Analyse Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA) against sector peers to gauge capital efficiency. Look at debt structure—a conservative financial approach is often a sign of stability.
• Tools for Real-Time Analysis: Use a combination of global and local resources. Platforms like Bloomberg, TradingView and data from MSCI and FTSE provide international standard analysis. For on-the-ground insight, local brokerages like SSI, VNDirect and Hanoi Securities offer valuable market data and analysis, especially on HNX.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Foreign investors can underestimate “liquidity traps” where a stock appears attractive but is hard to trade due to FOLs. Don’t misread the influence of family ownership or rely solely on annual reports without on-the-ground validation.

Vietnam’s Blue Chips Are More Than Safe Havens—They’re Strategic Assets

In the ever-changing FDI landscape, Vietnam’s blue chips are a rare combination of stability and growth. They are the foundation of the market, a safe entry point for institutional investors and a benchmark for corporate partnerships.

Whether you’re building a portfolio or entering the market, they are the most bankable assets in Vietnam. Work with us to turn challenges into wins—because when it comes to your next big win, there’s only forward

You might also like: How the Professional Services Industry Fuels Cross-Border Growth in ASEAN