Stocks hold on to small gain as VNM extends hot month. The VN-Index picked up Monday where it left off after Friday's big gain. It opened higher and at its afternoon peak reached 679.62, or up 1.8%, fueled by market rumors that the government could be poised to soon announce a timetable for the long-expected divestments, including Vinamilk, Sabeco and Habeco. Had it closed at that level, it would have been a new eight-year high.