SINGAPORE] Vietnam’s stock benchmark is closing in on a record high, fuelled by optimism over sweeping political reforms and clarity on a trade deal with the US. Read more at The Business Times.

Vietnam’s negotiators are still working on the terms of the tariff deal with their US counterparts, more than two weeks after it was first announced by US President Donald Trump.

The US trade agreement with Vietnam reportedly lowers tariffs but lacks detail, triggering sharp warnings from Chinese officials.

Vietnam is a top destination for retailers and brands looking to reduce their reliance on factories in China, but has also become a target of Trump's aggressive trade policy.

The announcement came after President Trump in April proposed a steep 46% tariff on Vietnamese imports; he later paused those tariffs while talks continued.

The levies, which are scheduled to take effect Aug. 1, would dramatically escalate U.S. tariff policy and threaten to hike prices for everyday goods ranging from coffee to shoes. Trump delayed the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" in April,