US Stocks Hit New Highs: A Golden Opportunity for Vietnamese Investors

On July 28, 2026, US stocks continued their strong performance. Driven by robust earnings from tech giants like Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, the Nasdaq Composite Index broke through the 22,000-point mark during trading, setting another record. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 also stood firmly above 6,500 points. For Vietnamese investors in Southeast Asia, this is not only a feast of global capital markets but also a critical moment to reassess asset allocation and consider "Why buy US stocks?"

As Vietnam's economy continues to open, domestic investors are increasingly interested in overseas assets. Especially against the backdrop of heightened volatility in the VND/USD exchange rate, allocating US dollar-denominated US stocks has become an important way to hedge local currency risk and capture global growth dividends. This article, based on the latest market dynamics, deeply analyzes the core logic for Vietnamese investors to buy US stocks and provides a practical beginner's guide.

Why Buy US Stocks? Three Core Advantages Not to Be Ignored

1. Gather Global Top Companies and Share Innovation Dividends

The US stock market hosts the world's best listed companies, especially leaders in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. In Q2 2026 earnings season, Apple's revenue grew 12% year-on-year, with services revenue hitting a record high; NVIDIA benefited from surging AI computing demand, with data center revenue soaring 85%; Microsoft's Azure cloud business maintained growth above 30%. These companies not only lead global technological innovation but also possess strong moats and consistent dividend-paying capabilities. Vietnamese investors can directly participate in the growth of these giants through US stocks without waiting for similar targets to emerge in the domestic Vietnamese market.

2. Stable Long-Term Returns Supported by Historical Data

According to Morningstar data, the annualized return of the S&P 500 over the past 20 years is approximately 10.5%, well above the VN Index's 8% annualized return (inflation-adjusted) over the same period. More importantly, the US stock market offers excellent liquidity, low transaction costs, and comprehensive investor protection mechanisms. Even after a significant correction during the 2022 rate hike cycle, US stocks rebounded quickly and hit new highs in 2023-2026, demonstrating strong resilience. For Vietnamese investors seeking long-term appreciation, US stocks are the cornerstone of building an investment portfolio.

3. Diversify Currency and Geographic Risks

The Vietnamese dong has depreciated by about 12% against the US dollar since 2020, and holding US dollar-denominated US stocks naturally provides a currency hedge. Additionally, Vietnam's economy is highly dependent on exports and foreign capital, with strong synchronization with global cycles. Allocating to US stocks can effectively reduce single-market risk, especially when domestic policy adjustments or economic slowdowns occur, US stocks can provide a counterbalance.

2026 US Stock Trend: AI and Technology Still the Main Focus

Entering the second half of 2026, market focus is on the deepening commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI). Besides NVIDIA, giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta are increasing investment in AI infrastructure, driving the entire chain of semiconductors, cloud computing, and robotics higher. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in its July meeting and hinted at a possible rate cut within the year, benefiting growth stock valuations. Morgan Stanley's latest report indicates that the expected earnings growth rate for the US tech sector over the next 12 months is 18%, far higher than other sectors. For Vietnamese investors, using US stock ETFs (such as QQQ, VOO) or selected stocks can capture this trend at low cost.

How Can Vietnamese Investors Legally Buy US Stocks?

In recent years, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has gradually eased restrictions on overseas investments by individuals. As of July 2026, Vietnamese residents can legally invest in US stocks through the following channels:

• International Broker Account Opening: Such as Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, etc., which support online account opening for Vietnamese residents and provide VND to USD conversion services. Minimum deposit requirement is about $1,000.
• Cross-Border Services of Local Vietnamese Brokers: Some large Vietnamese securities companies (e.g., SSI, VNDIRECT) have partnered with overseas brokers to offer US stock trading channels, but fees are relatively high.
• US Stock ETF Funds: Indirect investment through global ETF products issued by domestic Vietnamese fund companies. For example, VFMVN Diamond ETF already includes a small amount of US stock holdings, but more pure US stock ETF services are under application.

It should be noted that Vietnamese investors must comply with foreign exchange management regulations. Each person is allowed to purchase up to $2,000 equivalent in foreign currency per year for investment, and amounts exceeding that must be declared to SBV. Beginners are advised to start with low-cost ETFs tracking the S&P 500 (such as VOO) and gradually familiarize themselves with US stock market rules.

Risk Warning and Long-Term Mindset

Although US stocks have a long-term upward trend, short-term fluctuations are inevitable. Potential risks in 2026 include: US inflation rebound leading to rate hikes resumption, geopolitical conflicts, and tech stock valuation bubbles. Vietnamese investors should avoid chasing highs and selling lows, and adopt a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy to smooth costs. At the same time, attention should be paid to the tax treaty between the US and Vietnam – the US stock dividend withholding tax is 30%, but Vietnamese residents can apply for a reduction to below 15% with tax resident certificates.

Overall, the US stock market in 2026 remains full of opportunities. For Vietnamese investors, the answer to "Why buy US stocks" is increasingly clear: It is not only a tool to hedge against local currency depreciation but also a necessary path to participate in global innovation and achieve long-term wealth appreciation. Take action now, starting from the first step of opening an account, and begin your global allocation journey.