The VN-Index extended its gains for the new year, adding less than half a percent on Wednesday. Brent crude prices advanced in Asian trading today, helping to boost energy names, such as GAS (+2.3%) and PVD (+3.0%). The financial sector jumped almost one percent as gains by GTG, BID, BVH and EIB outweighed losses by VCB and MBB. STB (-6.7%) plunged after local media reported the SBV plans to focus on restructuring it along with four other weak banks in 2017.