Belgium stocks higher at close of trade; BEL 20 up 0.58%

Belgian stocks finished the trading day higher on Friday, with the BEL 20 index gaining 0.58%. The Consumer Goods, Healthcare, and Financials sectors played a key role in driving the market up, resulting in a 53 to 35 win for rising stocks over declining ones. Azelis Corporate Services NV, Umicore SA, and D’Ieteren NV were among the top gainers, with shares rising 3.60%, 1.71%, and 1.56% respectively.

Conversely, Anheuser Busch Inbev SA NV, Aedifica, and Solvay SA experienced declines, with losses of 0.91%, 0.62%, and 0.56% respectively. Gold Futures for December delivery saw a 0.74% increase to $4,329.90 per troy ounce, while Crude oil and the November Brent oil contract both experienced declines of 2.87% and 2.65% respectively.

The EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates remained relatively stable, with minor changes of 0.26% and 0.01% respectively. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures saw a 0.39% decrease to 100.63.