Vietnam stocks outperform SE Asia peers

Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended on Monday lower as sentiment turned cautious ahead of a raft of economic data this week, but Vietnam bucked the trend and closed at its highest in over nine years as realty and financials firmed up.

Indonesia is expected to release its July inflation and GDP numbers, Thailand and the Philippines their inflation rates for the month, and Malaysia its trade data for June.

Vietnam rose 0.8% to post its highest close since Feb 2008 with Vingroup JSC and Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam leading the gains.

Risk assets turned less attractive after North Korea conducted another missile test late on Friday, sparking tension.

Philippine shares cut part losses to end 0.7% lower and ended above the 8,000 level for a fourth straight session. The index is up 2.2% on month, its fifth straight monthly gain.

Ayala Land fell 2.3% to close at its lowest in over a week, while telecom company PLDT Inc declined 3.7% to hit a near 10-week closing low.

Investors are taking profits after a strong run in the previous week, said Manny Cruz, an analyst with Manila-based Asiasec Equities Inc.

Malaysian shares fell 0.4%, their biggest drop in more than three weeks, with financials figuring among top losers. The index is 0.2% lower on month.

Singapore shares closed marginally lower, but posted their seventh straight month of gains. Losses in heavyweights such as Keppel Corp and Singapore Telecommunications outweighed an 8.4% jump in Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings.

Indonesian shares rose 0.2% and ended higher for a sixth consecutive month.

Indonesia's annual inflation rate likely eased in July as demand returned to normal after the Eid al-Fitr festival, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. The data is expected on Tuesday.