Belgian equities closed higher on Monday as gains across the Technology, Consumer Goods and Financials sectors pushed the benchmark upward. At the Brussels close, the BEL 20 index advanced 1.07%, marking a new all-time peak.
Top performers
The session's strongest contributors included Melexis NV (EBR:MLXS), which finished up 4.60% - gaining 2.45 points to close at 55.70. Groep Brussel Lambert NV (EBR:GBLB) added 3.47% - or 2.80 points - to end at 83.60, while D’Ieteren NV (EBR:IETB) rose 2.71% - up 5.20 points - to 197.40 in late trade.
Lagging names
On the downside, Anheuser Busch Inbev SA NV (EBR:ABI) slipped 0.93%, losing 0.60 points to close at 63.66. Elia (EBR:ELI) declined 0.40%, down 0.50 points to 125.40, and Cofinimmo SA (EBR:COFB) fell 0.17%, or 0.15 points, to finish at 88.05.
Market breadth and notable highs
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the Brussels exchange by 59 to 39, with 9 stocks unchanged at the close. Shares of Groep Brussel Lambert NV reached three-year highs, closing at 83.60 after a 3.47% rise.
Commodities and energy
Commodities traded with strength during the session. Gold futures for April delivery climbed 2.25%, an increase of 111.89, to trade at 5,091.69 per troy ounce. In energy markets, March crude oil rose 1.78%, or 1.13, to settle at 64.68 a barrel, while the April Brent contract increased 1.78%, or 1.21, to 69.26 a barrel.
Currency moves
In foreign exchange, the euro strengthened against the dollar, with EUR/USD up 0.71% to 1.19. EUR/GBP was effectively unchanged, moving 0.31% to 0.87. The US Dollar Index futures fell 0.67% to 96.86.
Overall, Monday's session saw broad participation in the rally that lifted the BEL 20 to a fresh record, supported by selective strength among technology, consumer goods and financial stocks and accompanied by meaningful shifts in commodity and currency markets.