Vietnam tops ASEAN in consumer sentiment: UOB report
Major ASEAN economies have continued to show resilience despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment, with Vietnam standing out as the most optimistic market in the region, according to a survey recently released by Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB).
Consumers shop at a supermarket in Ho chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency.
According to the UOB ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study 2025, the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Index rose one point from last year to 54. The study, covering 5,000 respondents in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, found that Vietnam’s consumer sentiment led the region with 67 points, up three points from last year.
Indonesia followed at 55 points, down three points, while Malaysia posted the strongest increase, gaining 11 points to 53. Singapore and Thailand both stood at 47, with Singapore recording the sharpest decline of 10 points after the U.S. tariff announcements in April rattled financial markets.
More than half of consumers in the region are positive about the economic, political and social stability in their countries, with 60% of respondents upbeat about economic stability, 57% about political stability, and 61% about social stability. Vietnam recorded the highest scores of 83%, 82%, and 81%, respectively.
The report also found that financial and environmental concerns dominate in the region. The increased cost of living due to inflation was the top concern, followed by climate change and U.S. tariffs. More than half of respondents anticipate that inflation will erode their purchasing power, prompting more cautious spending, though a smaller proportion plan major cutbacks.
As for digital payments, the report pointed out that e-wallets and scan-to-pay are the top products used across the region, with e-wallets being more dominant in Vietnam and Indonesia than in other markets.
In terms of savings, a majority of consumers across ASEAN have an emergency fund, with 58% having enough to cover at least 3-6 months of expenses. However, Vietnam recorded a lower score of 57%.
The index was introduced this year, though UOB has conducted its ASEAN consumer sentiment report for six consecutive years.
- Read More
Southern corridor seen as ‘heart’ of Danang’s multi-polar urban development
Following its merger with Quang Nam province last July, the new Danang is gradually shaping a multi-polar urban development model with several new growth corridors, while the city’s southern axis is expected to play a central role in the new urban structure.
Real Estate - Wed, May 13, 2026 | 7:00 am GMT+7
Vietnam stock market: Cash flow divide leaves many investors behind
Although Vietnam’s benchmark VN-Index continues to rise, a growing divide in cash flows is leaving many investors struggling to keep pace with the rally.
Finance - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 8:20 pm GMT+7
Accton Technology injects extra $80 mln into Vietnam subsidiary
Accton Technology Corporation, a Taiwanese network equipment manufacturer and a partner of Intel, has approved an additional $80 million investment for its subsidiary in Vietnam, underscoring the country’s growing role in the global supply chain for networking equipment, data centers, and AI infrastructure.
Industries - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 4:19 pm GMT+7
Hanoi cuts $4.48 bln from gigantic Red River boulevard project
Hanoi authorities on Monday revised several key aspects of the Red River Scenic Boulevard project, notably reducing its total investment capital by VND118 trillion ($4.48 billion) compared to the original plan.
Infrastructure - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 3:14 pm GMT+7
Taiwanese firm Panjit invests $45 mln to expand semiconductor facility in Vietnam
After acquiring a 95% stake in Ho Chi Minh City-based Torex Vietnam Semiconductor, Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer Panjit has approved an additional $45 million investment in its production facility in Vietnam.
Industries - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 10:56 am GMT+7
Rising inflation pressure poses challenge for Vietnam’s monetary policy
Vietnam’s central bank is facing mounting pressure to balance economic growth and inflation control as rising global prices, exchange rate risks and the prospect of a return to trade deficits complicate monetary policy management.
Banking - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 10:44 am GMT+7
Australia launches anti-dumping probe into Vietnamese coated steel exports
Australia, one of the few remaining markets still applying a 0% anti-dumping duty on Vietnamese coated steel products, has launched an anti-dumping investigation into exports from Hoa Sen Group and Nam Kim Steel, further narrowing export opportunities for Vietnam’s coated steel makers.
Economy - Tue, May 12, 2026 | 8:17 am GMT+7
ThaiGroup plans $4.9 bln tourism-resort complex in northern Vietnam
Vietnam’s multi-sector corporation ThaiGroup plans to implement a VND128 trillion ($4.86 billion) tourism and resort complex in the northern province of Ninh Binh, home to the UNESCO-recognized Trang An scenic landscape complex, later this year.
Real Estate - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 10:41 pm GMT+7
Vietnamese dairy giant Vinamilk plans cautious price hikes as input costs rise
Vietnam’s top dairy producer Vinamilk (HoSE: VNM) plans to raise product prices by around 2-3% as the company faces renewed pressure from higher raw material and logistics costs, according to brokerage Vietcap Securities following a recent investor meeting.
Companies - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 10:11 pm GMT+7
Vinaconex shifts toward property, infrastructure under former CEO
Nguyen Xuan Dong has returned to Vinaconex as chairman after serving as CEO from late 2018 to April 2026, a period marked by multiple challenges including disputes with Sovico Group, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions that drove up raw material costs.
Companies - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 3:07 pm GMT+7
HCMC sees surge in land-related revenue as property firms pay tens of millions of US dollars
Budget revenue from land in Ho Chi Minh City has rebounded sharply as a series of real estate projects overcome legal bottlenecks and developers begin fulfilling financial obligations, according to the city’s Finance Department.
Real Estate - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 12:58 pm GMT+7
Average lending rates begin edging lower: Vietnam central bank
Average lending rates in Vietnam have started to decline slightly as the central bank steps up measures to support liquidity and ease borrowing costs, said Pham Chi Quang, head of the State Bank of Vietnam's monetary policy department.
Banking - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 11:43 am GMT+7
Battle for Vietnam beer market share shows no signs of cooling as firms ramp up advertising spending
After a period of decline, the Vietnamese beer market is entering a recovery cycle amid an increasingly costly advertising battle among major producers.
Economy - Mon, May 11, 2026 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Taiwanese apparel material supplier Paiho injects additional $120 mln into southern Vietnam unit
Paihong Vietnam Co. Ltd., a unit of Taiwan-based Paiho Shih Holdings Corporation serving the footwear and apparel industries, has decided to raise capital by $120 million through the issuance of 120 million new shares.
Industries - Sun, May 10, 2026 | 5:28 pm GMT+7
Vietnam calls for expanded flexible financing tools from ADB
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand flexible and preferential financing instruments better suited to Vietnam’s funding needs for development investment in the coming period.
Economy - Sun, May 10, 2026 | 4:08 pm GMT+7
Asia’s leading luxury travel magazine hails Hanoi's new opera house: 'Move aside, Sydney'
Even while under construction, the new Hanoi Opera House at West Lake has become a focal point for international media.
Companies - Sun, May 10, 2026 | 11:21 am GMT+7
