Vietnam makes its mark on the global stage
Electronics manufacturers are moving into Vietnam, partly in response to manufacturing delays caused by lockdowns in China. The country’s textile industry is booming, too.
“‘Made in Vietnam’…is making its mark on the global stage”, says investment fund Vietnam Holding. “Manufacturers from all over the world are looking at Vietnam as part of their relocation strategy to effectively diversify and reduce supply chain risks”. Apple recently moved some iPad production into the country, joining firms such as Samsung and Intel that already have a significant presence, partly in response to manufacturing delays caused by lockdowns in China.
The textile industry is also booming, says Tomoya Onishi in Nikkei Asia. Exports are on course to hit an all-time high of $22bn in the first half of 2022, a 23% rise on last year. Numerous free trade deals and the post-pandemic boom in the West have turned Vietnam into the world’s second-largest clothing exporter.
Things looked very different last summer, says Rodion Ebbighausen in Deutsche Welle. A surge in Covid-19 cases saw the likes of Samsung, Apple, Nike and Zara forced to close factories for weeks. GDP fell 6% year on year in the third quarter. But since then Hanoi has taken “a pragmatic approach”, helped by the use of Western vaccines (unlike China).
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
That has enabled a reopening that contrasts markedly with the situation in China, says Daniel Müller of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association. Even Chinese electronics groups “are moving facilities to Vietnam”.
Still, Vietnam faces plenty of economic challenges of its own. Deep integration with global supply chains leaves it vulnerable to ongoing disruptions emanating from Shanghai. With foreign trade representing 209% of GDP, the country is also heavily exposed to fluctuations in world trade.
Cleaning up Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh bourse
Corruption is also a big weakness, says Philip Heijmans on Bloomberg. The ruling Communist party has recently launched a crackdown – including firing the head of the Ho Chi Minh bourse and the chair of the State Securities Commission – over claims of market manipulation and “illicit profits” on the exchange. In a “closely controlled, one-party state” it can be difficult to know what is really going on, but the firings appear to signal a desire to clean up the exchange.
However, that seems to have rattled investor confidence. The benchmark VN-Index is now down by 21% since its January peak, after a superb run that saw it gain 120% from its lows in late March 2020.
Still, while domestic retail investors have retreated from the market, foreign institutions seem to be “buying the bear”, says VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund. Foreigners were net buyers of another $151m in stocks in May after buying $175m in April. And, importantly, the sell-off has brought valuations down to just 12 times expected 2022 earnings – not a bad price for a country where GDP looks set to grow by at least 6.5% this year.
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
Alex Rankine is Moneyweek's markets editor
-
How to invest in nuclear power
We need nuclear power to go green, says Dominic Frisby. But there is a better option than huge power stations
By Dominic Frisby Published
-
Chase slashes its easy-access savings rate – is it time to switch?
The Chase easy-access savings account has proved popular with savers thanks to its competitive rate and bonus deals. But, as the rate has dropped, has it lost its charm?
By Katie Williams Published
-
Halifax: House price slump continues as prices slide for the sixth consecutive month
UK house prices fell again in September as buyers returned, but the slowdown was not as fast as anticipated, latest Halifax data shows. Where are house prices falling the most?
By Kalpana Fitzpatrick Published
-
Rents hit a record high - but is the opportunity for buy-to-let investors still strong?
UK rent prices have hit a record high with the average hitting over £1,200 a month says Rightmove. Are there still opportunities in buy-to-let?
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
Pension savers turn to gold investments
Investors are racing to buy gold to protect their pensions from a stock market correction and high inflation, experts say
By Ruth Emery Published
-
Where to find the best returns from student accommodation
Student accommodation can be a lucrative investment if you know where to look.
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
Best investing apps
We round up the best investing apps. Looking for an easy-to-use app to help you start investing, keep track of your portfolio or make trades on the go?
By Ruth Emery Last updated
-
The world’s best bargain stocks
Searching for bargain stocks with Alec Cutler of the Orbis Global Balanced Fund, who tells Andrew Van Sickle which sectors are being overlooked.
By Andrew Van Sickle Published
-
Revealed: the cheapest cities to own a home in Britain
New research reveals the cheapest cities to own a home, taking account of mortgage payments, utility bills and council tax
By Ruth Emery Published
-
UK recession: How to protect your portfolio
As the UK recession is confirmed, we look at ways to protect your wealth.
By Henry Sandercock Last updated