Belgian equities finished the trading day in negative territory on Thursday, as losses concentrated in the Technology, Financials and Utilities sectors exerted downward pressure on the benchmark index.
At the close in Brussels, the BEL 20 index was down 0.37%.
Among constituents, Solvay SA (EBR:SOLB) was the session's strongest performer, advancing 1.27% - a gain of 0.34 points - to finish at 27.02. Ackermans & Van Haaren NV (EBR:ACKB) gained 0.86%, an increase of 2.20 points, to close at 257.00. Azelis Corporate Services NV (EBR:AZE) also posted a gain, rising 0.72% or 0.07 points to end the day at 9.09.
On the downside, Melexis NV (EBR:MLXS) registered the largest decline, sliding 8.48% - a fall of 4.90 points - to settle at 52.85. Umicore SA (EBR:UMI) dropped 2.48%, down 0.50 points to 19.68, while D’Ieteren NV (EBR:IETB) fell 1.94%, a decrease of 3.80 points, to finish at 192.00.
Market breadth on the Brussels Stock Exchange tilted toward declines, with 49 stocks falling versus 44 that advanced, and 14 ending the session unchanged.
Commodities and currencies
In commodities trading, April Gold futures were lower, down 1.16% or 57.30 to $4,893.50 a troy ounce. Crude oil for March delivery fell 2.52% or 1.64 to reach $63.50 a barrel, while the April Brent contract declined 2.52% or 1.75 to trade at $67.71 a barrel.
On the foreign exchange front, EUR/USD was essentially unchanged, moving 0.03% to 1.18, while EUR/GBP rose 0.80% to 0.87. The US Dollar Index Futures was firmer, up 0.17% at 97.65.
The session’s results reflected a mix of modest sector rotation and commodity price softness, with a slightly stronger dollar also present in market moves. The distribution of winners and losers left the BEL 20 marginally lower by the close.