Mainstay high yield corporate bond fund

Latest figures from the central bank show that in late February the on-balance sheet non-performing ratio of the banking system stood at 2.91 per cent, an increase compared to 2.46 per cent in late 2016, 1.49 per cent in late 2021 and most recently, 2 per cent in late 2022. However, according to a State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) assessment, several sorts of debts have the potential to be turned into bad debts in the future, such as investment into corporate bonds for debt restructuring, hard-to-collect receivables, among others. “If such debts were considered, the non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio of the system might reach 5 per cent of total outstanding balances,” said SBV Governor Nguyen Thi Hong. One positive point is that credit institutions have been taking practical measures to ensure operational safety through boosting their loan loss reserve (LLR) funds for their bad debts . Accordingly, credit institutions have maintained a fairly high LLR ratio approximating … [Read more...] about How bad debts influence lending rates

Nguyen Minh Tam (R), deputy CEO of Sacombank, receives the "Outstanding Retail Banking" and "Outstanding Bank for Community" awards at a ceremony in HCM City last week. — Photo courtesy of the bank Sacombank won the awards for Retail Banking and Bank for Community at the 2022 Vietnam Outstanding Banking Awards that were given away in HCM City last week. It was for a sixth consecutive year that Sacombank won the awards given by the International Data Group, the Vietnam E-Commerce and Digital Agency, the Vietnam Banks Association, and other organisations. Sacombank won the "Outstanding Retail Banking" award for achieving consistent customer growth -- with its customer base topping 15 million by the end of 2022 -- and having large transaction, ATM and merchant networks and diverse products and services. It offers more than 250 products and services for individuals and corporate customers and has linked up with 110 banks and 30 e-wallets for money transfer. It won the … [Read more...] about Sacombank, Vietbank honoured at Vietnam Outstanding Banking Awards

Since its establishment in Vietnam in 1992, Deutsche Bank has steadily forged a remarkable 30-year legacy of expansion and development, solidifying its position as a driving force propelling the ASEAN banking sector forward. Today, its presence in Vietnam remains instrumental, playing a pivotal role in the group's burgeoning influence across the vibrant Asia-Pacific region. It has witnessed a doubling of its revenue over the past two years. Deutsche Bank offers a wide range of corporate and investment banking solutions to multinational companies, domestic conglomerates, and financial institutions in Vietnam. This multifaceted spectrum of services encompasses asset management, foreign exchange, capital arrangement for businesses, and an array of advisory solutions. Since 2017, Deutsche Bank has successfully mobilised over $1 billion in annual funding, including loans and equity capital, for Vietnamese enterprises. The bank has also solidified its position by arranging capital and … [Read more...] about Deutsche Bank expands investment in Vietnam

Apple's resilient iPhone sales and Samsung's dominance amidst declining market According to Counterpoint Research, the smartphone market has been impacted by the recent economic difficulties. The report indicates that amidst challenging business conditions, retailers have had to revise their expansion plans and reassess their business strategies. Retail stores have reduced operating hours and lowered salaries due to the reduction in customers since the Lunar New Year. Initially, original equipment manufacturers misjudged the demand, resulting in high inventory levels. Subsequently, realising the actual situation, they rushed to offer discounts to clear the excess stock. All phone manufacturers, except for Apple, experienced a decline in sales in Q1. Glen Cardoza, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research stated, "The recovery of smartphone demand in Vietnam is expected to be slow in the second quarter of 2023 and will require time while the economy continues to face numerous … [Read more...] about Apple’s resilient iPhone sales and Samsung’s dominance amidst declining market

ROBOTACON WRO 2023 is being organised nationwide for the first time Under the theme connecting the world, the ROBOTACON WRO 2023 competition is co-organised by the Embassy of Denmark, Viet Tinh Anh JSC, and LEGO Education. This year, the teams participating in the contest will be divided into groups with tasks under various topics based on current interests from around the world, such as marine life conservation, underwater infrastructure, port automation, and others. According to the Danish ambassador Nicolai Prytz, he is very proud that the Embassy of Denmark is one of the co-organisers of ROBOTACON WRO 2023, the largest and most prestigious competition dedicated to science, technology, and education in Vietnam for students aged 6-19 years. “I believe that this will be a fantastic playground for young Vietnamese people to learn the necessary skills for the 21 st century, such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and technology. The competition also … [Read more...] about ROBOTACON WRO 2023 organised nationwide

HCM City seeks ways to attract more remittances. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The southern largest economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City is striving to achieve an annual growth rate of at least 10% in the inflow of remittances during the 2023-2025 period and maintains this rate in 2025-2030. The information was heard at a seminar held in the city on May 29 by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs of HCM City, in coordination with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Branch in HCM City to seek comments and solutions of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to effectively attract and optimise remittance resources in the city. Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City have always maintained a relatively high growth rate and play a crucial role in the city’s socio-economic development. (Photo: VNA) According to Nguyen Duc Lenh, Deputy Director of the SBV Branch in HCM City, remittances to the city have always maintained a relatively high growth rate and play a crucial role in … [Read more...] about HCM City seeks ways to attract more remittances

The event attracted the participation of more than 100 people from large Korean investment funds, conglomerates, and small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in banking, green energy, green industry, smart city – urban area building and development, 4.0 industry, science and technology, high-tech agriculture, and manufacturing fields. Deputy head of the ministry’s Consular Department Trinh Thi Mai Phuong said that the forum is a highlight of the program to promote Vietnamese localities in the RoK lasting from May 29 to June 1 to foster cooperation and connectivity between Vietnamese localities and RoK localities and businesses. At the forum, VKBIA President Tran Hai Linh stated that the collaboration between Vietnamese and RoK localities plays an important role in fostering economy, trade, and investment between the two countries. Leaders of Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Kon Tum, and Thua Thien Hue informed the forum on their localities’ potential, strength, and socio-economic … [Read more...] about Vietnam, RoK localities step up cooperation