Vietnam Stocks Near Record on Reform Hopes, Trade Deal Optimism

Vietnam’s stock benchmark is closing in on a record high, fueled by optimism over sweeping political reforms and clarity on a trade deal with the US.

The government is undertaking its biggest administrative overhaul in decades to shrink bureaucracy as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pushes for more than 8% economic growth this year. A trade deal that cut US tariffs on the nation’s goods to 20% from 46% in April also clears an overhang for the market.

The moves have driven a 19% rally in the Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Stock Index this year, putting the market well ahead ...