Belgian equities ended the session in positive territory on Tuesday, with the benchmark BEL 20 index closing up 0.74% in Brussels. Strength in the Utilities, Basic Materials and Healthcare sectors helped drive the advance.
Among constituents, Umicore SA (EBR:UMI) recorded the strongest gain on the index, climbing 3.81% - a rise of 0.62 points - to finish at 16.88. Elia (EBR:ELI) also contributed to the upside, adding 2.94% or 3.90 points to close at 136.70. Azelis Corporate Services NV (EBR:AZE) rose 2.11%, an increase of 0.16 points, to end the day at 7.51.
On the downside, Melexis NV (EBR:MLXS) was the weakest performer among the listed names, slipping 0.84% or 0.45 points to close at 53.05. Montea C.V.A. (EBR:MONTE) declined 0.43%, down 0.30 points, to finish at 69.90, while Ackermans & Van Haaren NV (EBR:ACKB) fell 0.37% or 1.00 points to end the session at 266.60.
Market breadth on the Brussels Stock Exchange favoured advancers, with 55 stocks rising versus 41 that fell; 12 issues were unchanged at the close.
Commodities saw mixed action. Gold futures for April delivery were up 0.15%, gaining 7.51 to trade at 5,009.71 a troy ounce. In energy markets, crude oil for May delivery rose 2.51% or 2.32 to $94.78 a barrel, while the May Brent contract gained 2.34% or 2.34 to trade at $102.55 a barrel.
In foreign exchange, EUR/USD was unchanged 0.21% to 1.15, while EUR/GBP was unchanged 0.01% to 0.86. The US Dollar Index Futures moved lower, down 0.10% at 99.36.
Summary of moves
- BEL 20 closed higher by 0.74%.
- Top gainers included Umicore, Elia and Azelis.
- Melexis, Montea and Ackermans & Van Haaren were among the laggards.
Context and note on investment tools
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