Belgium Stocks Higher at Close of Trade: BEL 20 Up 0.36%

Positive Performance Led by Utilities and Industrials

The BEL 20 index finished 0.36% higher on Friday, buoyed by gains in the utilities and industrial sectors. By the close, the index stood at 3,832.17 points.

Utilities and Industrials Drive Growth

Utilities outperformed other sectors, with Engie climbing 4.04% and Fluxys gaining 2.50%. Within the industrial sector, ArcelorMittal advanced 2.29% and Umicore added 2.16%.

Other Sectors Mixed

Other sectors displayed mixed performances. Financials were flat, with KBC Group and BNP Paribas Fortis showing minimal changes. Healthcare saw Denka Pharma drop 1.43%, offsetting a 0.99% increase in Galapagos.

Market Movers

The day's top gainers included Biocartis (+4.47%), D'Ieteren (+3.88%), and Recticel (+3.51%). The largest decliners were Cofinimmo (-1.93%), Elia (-1.63%), and Aperam (-1.45%).

Positive Outlook

Analysts attributed the positive market performance to expectations of a milder-than-anticipated economic downturn and hopes for an easing of energy prices. The index has rebounded from its recent lows and is now approaching its 200-day moving average.