Belgian equities closed higher on Monday, driven by sector-level strength in Utilities, Basic Materials and Industrials that helped the BEL 20 index finish the session up 0.31%.
At the close in Brussels the headline BEL 20 index recorded a modest gain of 0.31%. The session featured a mix of individual moves, with 50 stocks advancing and 42 declining on the Brussels Stock Exchange; 17 names finished unchanged.
Among the stronger performers, Umicore SA (EBR:UMI) led gains, rising 2.97% - an increase of 0.62 points - to close at 21.48. The companys shares reached a 52-week high in the session. Elia (EBR:ELI) also logged a notable advance, gaining 2.09% or 2.40 points to end at 117.50, and likewise moved to a 52-week high. Lotus Bakeries (EBR:LOTB) was up 1.28%, adding 120.00 points to finish at 9,460.00.
On the down side, Azelis Corporate Services NV (EBR:AZE) was the weakest among the BEL 20 constituents mentioned, falling 1.74% or 0.14 points to 8.18 at the close. Melexis NV (EBR:MLXS) declined 1.50%, or 0.95 points, to end at 62.55, while Groep Brussel Lambert NV (EBR:GBLB) slipped 0.69%, a drop of 0.55 points to 79.50.
Macro-related instruments and commodities showed mixed moves alongside the equity session. Gold Futures for April delivery climbed 2.30%, gaining 115.55 to trade at 5,132.55 dollars a troy ounce. In energy markets, crude oil for March delivery fell 0.44% or 0.27 to 60.80 dollars a barrel, and the April Brent contract lost 0.29% or 0.19 to trade at 64.88 dollars a barrel.
Foreign exchange and dollar indicators moved in tandem with risk and commodity flows. The euro strengthened against the dollar, with EUR/USD up 0.48% to 1.19, while EUR/GBP was effectively unchanged at 0.87, recording a 0.10% move. The US Dollar Index Futures declined 0.64% to 96.78.
The session profile showed concentration in a handful of names that posted strong gains, particularly in the Basic Materials and Utilities sectors, while other groups and individual mid-caps experienced modest retreats. Overall market breadth was slightly positive, with more winners than losers by the end of trading.
Context note: The market moves reported here reflect the close-of-day prices and percentage changes for the stocks and instruments cited.