When did VN-Index begin its declining trend? [originaltext] Vietnam shares ha

Vietnam shares have fallen below a benchmark of 500 points, while markets in Asia and Europe rose strongly. Vietnam shares dropped for the seventh session in a row, as the government planned to buy in shares to boost confidence in the market. Analysts fear the VN-Index could slide further from its current trading to below 400 points, a mark last seen three years ago. The situation has forced the government to step in to halt the fall. The move received mixed reactions from investors and analysts. Meanwhile investors continued to leave the fledgling market. The VN-Index was gaining momentum in 2005, rising to a peak in early 2007 at more than 1,000. It began its steady decline towards the end of the year. Vietnam has one of the highest economic growth rates in Asia—8.5% in 2007. But inefficient macroeconomic measures have left the country reeling from its highest inflation in decades.