The Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (NYSEArca: VNM) is trading near its highest levels since June and although the fund is up just 3% year-to-date, that is still pretty good compared to the steep losses incurred by ETFs tracking other Southeast Asian markets.
If not for restrictive, government-imposed limits on foreign ownership of Vietnamese stocks, there is a chance 2013 could have been even better for the $383.2 million VNM. With inflation, previously a deep concern for Vietnam and VNM shareholders,slowing and economic growth steadying, foreign investors are buying the country’s equities again. VNM has seen 2013 inflows of nearly $64 million. [Vietnam ETF Soars in Early 2013]
The problem is there apparently are not enough shares to go around. Stocks such as Vietnam Dairy and DHB Pharmaceuticals “are among 20 companies with overseas ownership at the 49 percent limit,” Bloomberg reported, citing ABC Securities. Neither is a holding in VNM, but the ETF is home to 28 of the largest Vietnamese firms, so it is not unreasonable to surmise that a few of the ETF’s holdings will bump up against the foreign ownership limit if they have not already done so.
Vietnam, classified as a frontier market, has seen foreigners buy nearly $209 million worth of its shares this year, according to Bloomberg. In local currency terms, Vietnamese stocks rank among the top-10 global markets this year with an available U.S.-listed ETF. [10 Best Global Markets by ETFs]