The VN-Index traded in negative territory for most of today's session, but a late surge at the close left the market up 1.03 points, or 0.2%, to 657.14, for a second day of gains. Although the index finished slightly in the green, decliners actually outnumbered gainers by 121 to 98. VIC (+2.9%) was the top contributor as investors took positions ahead of the real estate developer's Q2 results, expected to be released Friday.